Comparison

PhET Simulations vs Train Ears

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

Train Ears

Features
Read full description

Practice recognizing music intervals by ear, and once you feel ready, take one minute challenge and see what's the best score you can get!

Screenshots

PhET Simulations3 screens
Train Ears4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Train Ears at Free against PhET Simulations's $0.99. Train Ears also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 14 months). PhET Simulations's advantage is chart position (#48 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Train Ears is free to download; PhET Simulations costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, Train Ears every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
PhET Simulations versus Train Ears: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPhET SimulationsTrain Ears
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (49 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews65.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings49 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 14 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
Best chart rank#48 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size125 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperUniversity of Colorado BoulderTomas Novotny

In-app purchases

None

PhET Simulations

No in-app purchases

None

Train Ears

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is PhET Simulations free?
PhET Simulations costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Train Ears free?
Train Ears is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do PhET Simulations or Train Ears have ads?
Neither PhET Simulations nor Train Ears shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PhET Simulations or Train Ears?
PhET Simulations ships an update every 14 months, and Train Ears every 2 days. Most recently, PhET Simulations was updated on September 23, 2026 and Train Ears on September 8, 2026.

Other comparisons