# phyphox vs Aktiv Learning

The clearest difference is rating: phyphox at 4.6 against Aktiv Learning's 3.1. phyphox also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and chart position (#197 vs unranked). Aktiv Learning's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aktiv Learning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. phyphox asks for nothing beyond the download.

phyphox holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 282 and 185 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of phyphox's written reviews are positive against 73% of Aktiv Learning's.

phyphox ships an update every 3 months, Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 29, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | phyphox | Aktiv Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (282 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693/reviews)** | [3.1 (185 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **282** | 185 |
| Positive reviews | **78.7% of reviews** | 72.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#197** | — |
| Size | 19 MB | 112 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RWTH Aachen University](https://appshunter.io/developer/371466796) | [Top Hat Monocle](https://appshunter.io/developer/411098284) |

## What reviewers say

### phyphox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693)

**Currently charting:** #197 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Unlock your phone's sensors for scientific exploration. Conduct pre-built experiments or create your own using accelerometers, magnetometers, and more. Analyze and export data in various formats for further study.

**Highlights:** Pre-defined experiments, Data export (CSV, TSV, Excel), Web-based remote control, Custom experiment editor, Access to phone sensors, Advanced analysis functions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Access to phone sensors
- 🔬 Useful for physics experiments
- 📊 Data logging and export
- 🆓 Free and no ads
- 🤔 Sparks curiosity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 📉 Inconsistent performance
- 🔒 App locks/minimizes recording
- ❓ Units not always clear
- ⚠️ Potential for device damage

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on older devices
- Barometer not working on iOS 17.4
- Network error: Generic error
- Sound measurement curve disappears
- App crashes frequently

**Requested features**

- Add infrasound detector
- More units of measurement (G-force, PSI, feet)
- NFC/RFID support
- In-app bug report feature
- Allow other sensors via USB-C


### Aktiv Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439)

This platform offers dynamic problems and interactive tools for college-level chemistry and math. It helps students visualize abstract STEM concepts and provides instructors with real-time insights into class understanding. Features include a mobile-friendly Lewis structure drawing tool and over 250 practice questions.

**Highlights:** Interactive Lewis structure drawing tool, Dynamic STEM problems, Real-time class results, Over 250 built-in practice questions, Create in-class or homework assignments, Isoform recognition for answers

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chem101 Course Activation | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 📱 Works seamlessly on both mobile and desktop
- 💡 Interactive problem-solving tools (Lewis structures, dimensional analysis)
- 🎯 Multiple attempts per question reduce fear of failure
- 📚 Detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
- ⏱️ Extremely slow loading times
- 🔐 Login and authentication issues
- 📱 Drag-and-drop functionality malfunctions on iPad
- ❌ Confusing and unclear question directions

**Reported bugs**

- Pop-up warnings flicker and disappear too quickly
- Drag-and-drop fails 70% of the time on iOS
- App crashes on specific problems with no recovery
- Login errors and password reset failures
- Users locked out of questions permanently

**Requested features**

- In-app notification system for assignment reminders
- Ability to sign up for courses on mobile app
- Split-screen functionality on iPad
- Zoom capability for periodic table
- Reset button for Lewis structure questions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is phyphox free?

phyphox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Aktiv Learning free?

Aktiv Learning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, phyphox or Aktiv Learning?

phyphox is rated higher. phyphox averages 4.6 out of 5 from 282 ratings, while Aktiv Learning averages 3.1 from 185 ratings.

### Do phyphox or Aktiv Learning have ads?

Neither phyphox nor Aktiv Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, phyphox or Aktiv Learning?

phyphox ships an update every 3 months, and Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. Most recently, phyphox was updated on October 29, 2026 and Aktiv Learning on October 29, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*