PhET Simulations vs NOBOOK Lab
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Interactive science and math simulations
- Offline play capability
- Multiple language support
- Customizable favorites collection
- Automatic simulation updates
- Easy simulation sorting
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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!
NOBOOK Lab
This app offers a virtual laboratory experience with over 1000 DIY experimental equipment pieces and a library of 700+ high-quality experiments. It allows for free combination of equipment to observe phenomena and explore scientific concepts in physics and chemistry.
- 1000+ DIY experimental equipment
- Interactive learning mode
- 8 major engine algorithms for free combination
- Observe experimental phenomena instantly
- 700+ high-quality experiments
- Physics and chemistry modules
- Search experiments by knowledge points
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NOBOOK lab , Your lab ,No limits [1000+ DIY Experimental Equipment] Explore freely with 1000+ pieces of experimental equipment, and experience a brand-new interactive learning mode. Exclusive self-developed 8 major engine algorithms allow for free combination of equipment, enabling you to instantly observe experimental phenomena and results and explore the experimental methods you want! [A Vast Number of High-quality Experiments] An authoritative and comprehensive experimental resource library, covering more than 700 experiments. You can search for experiments by knowledge points, learn right away, and get started in minutes. There are high-quality experiments in multiple modules of physics including biology, optics, electricity, mechanics, and thermology; chemistry includes both organic and inorganic chemistry content.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: NOBOOK Lab at Free against PhET Simulations's $0.99. NOBOOK Lab also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 14 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). PhET Simulations's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). On ads and device support 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
NOBOOK Lab is free to download; PhET Simulations costs $0.99 up front. NOBOOK Lab sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. PhET Simulations asks for nothing beyond the download.
PhET Simulations holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PhET Simulations has 49 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two.
PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, NOBOOK Lab monthly. Both last shipped on October 19, 2026.
| Parameter | PhET Simulations | NOBOOK Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.5 (49 ratings) — better | 3.0 (6 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 65.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 49 — better | 6 |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | Free with in-app purchases — better |
| Best chart rank | #37 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 13.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 125 MB | 83 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | University of Colorado Boulder | BeiJing LeBu Educational Technology Co., Ltd. |
Customer experience
PhET Simulations
NOBOOK Lab
In-app purchases
PhET Simulations
No in-app purchases
NOBOOK Lab
- GCSE Chemistry Month Access$15.00
- A-Level Physics Month Access$15.00
- GCSE Physics Month Access$15.00
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- A-Level Chem Month Access$15.00
- A-Level Chem Year Access$150.00
- GCSE Chemistry Year Access$150.00
- GCSE Physics Year Access$150.00
- A-Level Physics Year Access$150.00
Questions
Is PhET Simulations free?
Is NOBOOK Lab free?
Which has better reviews, PhET Simulations or NOBOOK Lab?
Do PhET Simulations or NOBOOK Lab have ads?
Which is updated more often, PhET Simulations or NOBOOK Lab?
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