# PhET Simulations vs Letter Tiles for Learning

The clearest difference is price: PhET Simulations at $0.99 against Letter Tiles for Learning's $19.99. PhET Simulations also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.2) and review sentiment (66% vs 38%). Letter Tiles for Learning's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 14 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and chart position there is nothing between them.

PhET Simulations costs $0.99 and Letter Tiles for Learning $19.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

PhET Simulations holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 93 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of PhET Simulations's written reviews are positive against 38% of Letter Tiles for Learning's.

PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, Letter Tiles for Learning every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PhET Simulations | Letter Tiles for Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[4.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phet-simulations/id1134126831/reviews)** | [3.2 (93 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-tiles-for-learning/id1314838376/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 48 | **93** |
| Positive reviews | **65.5% of reviews** | 37.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | #90 | **#46** |
| Size | 125 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [University of Colorado Boulder](https://appshunter.io/developer/972210292) | [All About Learning Press, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/786428125) |

## What reviewers say

### PhET Simulations

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phet-simulations/id1134126831)

**Currently charting:** #90 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

Explore science and math concepts through interactive simulations. This app provides over 75 HTML5 simulations for learning about atoms, energy, multiplication, and more. It's ideal for students, parents, and educators, offering offline access and multiple language support.

**Highlights:** Interactive science and math simulations, Offline play capability, Multiple language support, Customizable favorites collection, Automatic simulation updates, Easy simulation sorting

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Letter Tiles for Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/letter-tiles-for-learning/id1314838376)

**Currently charting:** #46 Top Paid · Education (US App Store)

Build words, divide them into syllables, and explore phonogram sounds. This educational tool supports specific reading and spelling programs, offering relevant letter tiles for each lesson. Ideal for interactive learning on tablets.

**Highlights:** Build words, Divide words into syllables, Hear phonogram sounds, Supports All About Reading, Supports All About Spelling, Lesson-specific letter tiles

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easier than physical tiles
- 👍 Convenient for travel
- 👍 Good for multiple children
- 👍 Works well with AAS/AAR
- 👍 Intuitive design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frustrating to use
- 🐛 Overpriced
- 🐛 Inconsistent tile response
- 🐛 New update issues
- 🐛 Not phone compatible

**Reported bugs**

- Drop-down menu not staying down
- Blank white screen
- App crashes constantly
- Tiles go missing when splitting syllables
- Spaces appear randomly in words

**Requested features**

- Undo feature
- Tile scramble mode
- Apple Pencil/stylus support
- Card quiz feature
- Option to adjust tile size


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PhET Simulations free?

PhET Simulations costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Letter Tiles for Learning free?

Letter Tiles for Learning costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PhET Simulations or Letter Tiles for Learning?

PhET Simulations is rated higher. PhET Simulations averages 4.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Letter Tiles for Learning averages 3.2 from 93 ratings.

### Do PhET Simulations or Letter Tiles for Learning have ads?

Neither PhET Simulations nor Letter Tiles for Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PhET Simulations or Letter Tiles for Learning?

PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, and Letter Tiles for Learning every 6 weeks. Most recently, PhET Simulations was updated on November 6, 2026 and Letter Tiles for Learning on November 6, 2026.

### Which is more popular, PhET Simulations or Letter Tiles for Learning?

PhET Simulations currently peaks at #90 in the App Store charts, and Letter Tiles for Learning at #46. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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