WavesSimulator vs Huygens3D
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side ā with what reviewers say about each.
WavesSimulator
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You can conduct experiments related to waves on the app. In addition to the waves not attenuating unlike the real model, it also has useful functions such as slow playback, pause, and rewinding time. Main features - Pulse wave generation - Freehand wave generation - Generation of sine waves - Free end reflection - Fixed end reflection - Change the length of the string - Change playback speed - History display for up to 5 seconds - Glossary - 60 FPS or 120 FPS (ProMotion compatible devices only)
Huygens3D
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Huygens3D brings the exploration of fundamental wave phenomena to iPad and iPhone, making it a full alternative to the classic ripple tank in physics lessons. Interference, diffraction, reflection and refraction are simulated just like in a real water tank. Thanks to the intuitive controls, every experiment is set up in seconds, so all students can experiment on their own. Features: ⢠various wave sources (point, line, points on a line, circle), as a continuous wave or a wave packet ⢠various obstacles, slits, prisms and lenses ⢠rain field for random waves ⢠pause and step-by-step mode ⢠phase probes with an oscilloscope view showing the phase difference ⢠tape measure for measuring in length units and in multiples of the wavelength ⢠screen showing interference and diffraction patterns ⢠share experiment setups via AirDrop, Messages or Mail
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: WavesSimulator at none against Huygens3D's shown. WavesSimulator also leads on update cadence (every 8 months vs every 25 months) and price ($1.99 vs $3.99). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS
WavesSimulator costs $1.99 and Huygens3D $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
WavesSimulator ships an update every 8 months, Huygens3D every 25 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | WavesSimulator | Huygens3D |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 ā better | $3.99 |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months ā better | Every 25 months |
| Ads | No ā better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 ā better | 26.0 |
| Further details ā not scored | ||
| Size | 95 MB | 147 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Tsuyoshi Ohtsuji | Roland Wejner |
In-app purchases
WavesSimulator
No in-app purchases
Huygens3D
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is WavesSimulator free?
Is Huygens3D free?
Do WavesSimulator or Huygens3D have ads?
Which is updated more often, WavesSimulator or Huygens3D?
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