Comparison

PhET Simulations vs Visual Periodic Table Chemie

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PhET Simulations

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
Currently charting
Read full description

Engage in learning science and math with the award-winning PhET simulations! Whether understanding atoms, exploring energy, or mastering multiplication, there is a sim for every learner. Perfect for at home, in class, or on the road, this app delivers all PhET HTML5 sims (over 75 sims) in one easy-to-use package. Developed by experts at the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET sims are used by millions of students every year. The PhET iPad app delivers these exclusive features: • Offline play: learn on the bus or at the park without a WiFi connection. • Multiple languages: app translate in many languages (great for bilingual learners). • Favorites: pick your favorite sims and create your own custom collection. • Automatic updates: get the latest HTML5 sims as soon as they are released. • Easy sorting: find the right sims for you. • Fullscreen: maximize your screen real estate for optimal sim exploration. PARENTS: Engage your child in science and math discovery. TEACHERS: Your favorite HTML5 sims at your fingertips, even without internet access. ADMINISTRATORS: Optimized for school use, so your teachers will be seamlessly up to date. STUDENTS: Tell your parents there’s an exciting app for learning science and math. Note: The app does not include PhET’s Java or Flash sims. In addition, although we are currently working on improving the accessibility of our sims, most of the sims included in this app do not include keyboard navigation or screen reader access. As accessible sims become available, they will be updated within the app. Proceeds from the app support the development of more HTML5 sims. On behalf of the PhET team and the students whose lives you have helped improve — Thank you!

About

Visual Periodic Table Chemie

Access detailed information on all elements, including properties, molecular formulas, and crystal structures. Features a comprehensive periodic table and chemical reaction calculators to aid in studies and work.

Highlights
  • Element properties lookup
  • Molecular formula information
  • Crystal structure visualization
  • Periodic table display
  • Chemical reaction calculators
  • Advanced models (with purchase)
Features
Read full description

This app allows you to quickly access information on all elements, including atomic number, atomic weight, boiling point, density, and more. You can also use it to find information on element molecular formulas, crystal structures, and electron energy levels. In addition, the app provides a detailed periodic table of elements to help you better understand the characteristics and relationships of the elements. It also offers various chemical reaction calculators to make your studies and work more efficient. Overall, the Chemical Element Lookup app for Apple devices is a very useful tool for both chemistry enthusiasts and professionals. Download and start using it now! Feedback email: proxima.centauri0@gmail.com Basic features are free, including information on all 118 elements, property comparisons and everyday chemistry tools. The optional Advanced Exploration pack is a one-time in-app purchase that permanently unlocks advanced models, the complete molecule library and organic structure topics. No subscription or automatic renewal.

Screenshots

PhET Simulations3 screens
Visual Periodic Table Chemie4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Visual Periodic Table Chemie at Free against PhET Simulations's $0.99. Visual Periodic Table Chemie also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 66%) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 14 months). PhET Simulations's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (48 vs 2). On rating, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Visual Periodic Table Chemie is free to download; PhET Simulations costs $0.99 up front. Visual Periodic Table Chemie sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. PhET Simulations asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for PhET Simulations against 4.5 for Visual Periodic Table Chemie. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PhET Simulations has 48 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 66% of PhET Simulations's written reviews are positive against 100% of Visual Periodic Table Chemie's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, Visual Periodic Table Chemie every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
PhET Simulations versus Visual Periodic Table Chemie: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhET SimulationsVisual Periodic Table Chemie
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (48 ratings) — better4.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews65.5% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings48 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#90 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB336 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperUniversity of Colorado Boulder博 彭

Customer experience

PhET Simulations

All ratings49 ratings
Positive87.8%
Neutral0.0%
Negative12.2%
Written reviews145 reviews
Positive65.5%
Neutral4.1%
Negative30.3%

Visual Periodic Table Chemie

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews20 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

PhET Simulations

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Visual Periodic Table Chemie

One-time4
  • A Little Encouragement$1.99
  • Advanced Exploration$4.99
  • Support Continued Development$4.99
Show 1 more
  • A Big Thank-You$9.99

Questions

Is PhET Simulations free?
PhET Simulations costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Visual Periodic Table Chemie free?
Visual Periodic Table Chemie is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PhET Simulations or Visual Periodic Table Chemie?
PhET Simulations is rated higher. PhET Simulations averages 4.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Visual Periodic Table Chemie averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.
Do PhET Simulations or Visual Periodic Table Chemie have ads?
Neither PhET Simulations nor Visual Periodic Table Chemie shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PhET Simulations or Visual Periodic Table Chemie?
PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, and Visual Periodic Table Chemie every 2 weeks. Most recently, PhET Simulations was updated on November 6, 2026 and Visual Periodic Table Chemie on November 7, 2026.

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