# Aktiv Learning vs Bates Engage Mobile

The clearest difference is rating: Bates Engage Mobile at 4.3 against Aktiv Learning's 3.1. Bates Engage Mobile also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1). Aktiv Learning's advantage is ratings volume (185 vs 58). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Bates Engage Mobile holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 185 and 58 respectively.

Aktiv Learning ships an update every 3 weeks, Bates Engage Mobile every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aktiv Learning | Bates Engage Mobile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (185 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439/reviews) | **[4.3 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bates-engage-mobile/id1595999799/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **185** | 58 |
| Positive reviews | 72.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 95 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Top Hat Monocle](https://appshunter.io/developer/411098284) | [Bates College](https://appshunter.io/developer/1464151503) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Bates Engage Mobile

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bates-engage-mobile/id1595999799)

This app helps enrolled students manage campus life. It provides tools for organization, resource access, and communication, facilitating engagement with campus activities.

**Highlights:** Campus life navigation, Student engagement tools, Organization features, Resource access, Campus communication

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Aktiv Learning free?

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

### Is Bates Engage Mobile free?

Bates Engage Mobile is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Aktiv Learning or Bates Engage Mobile?

Bates Engage Mobile is rated higher. Aktiv Learning averages 3.1 out of 5 from 185 ratings, while Bates Engage Mobile averages 4.3 from 58 ratings.

### Do Aktiv Learning or Bates Engage Mobile have ads?

Neither Aktiv Learning nor Bates Engage Mobile shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Aktiv Learning or Bates Engage Mobile?

Aktiv Learning ships an update every 3 weeks, and Bates Engage Mobile every 6 weeks. Most recently, Aktiv Learning was updated on October 23, 2026 and Bates Engage Mobile on October 25, 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.*