Comparison

Quantum Wave in a Box vs Shor's algorithm

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

Head to head
About

Quantum Wave in a Box

This app numerically solves the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation for non-relativistic particles in user-defined potential fields. It provides energy levels, wave-functions, and animations of wave-packet evolution. Ideal for physics students and educators to visualize quantum mechanics concepts.

Highlights
  • Schrödinger equation solver (1D)
  • User-defined potential V(x)
  • Hamiltonian matrix diagonalization
  • Wave-packet evolution animation
  • Energy levels and wave-functions visualization
  • RPN expression input for V(x)
Features
Read full description

Schrödinger equation solver 1D. User defined potential V(x). Diagonalization of hamiltonian matrix. Animation showing evolution in time of a gaussian wave-packet. In Quantum Mechanics the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation is a fundamental academic though exciting subject of study for both students and teachers of Physics. A solution of this differential equation represents the motion of a non-relativistic particle in a potential energy field V(x). But very few solutions can be derived with a paper and pencil. Have you ever dreamed of an App which would solve this equation (numerically) for each input of V(x) ? Give you readily energy levels and wave-functions and let you see as an animation how evolves in time a gaussian wave-packet in this particular interaction field ? Quantum Wave in a Box does it ! For a large range of values of the quantum system parameters. Actually the originally continuous x-spatial differential problem is discretized over a finite interval (the Box) while time remains a continuous variable. The time-independent Schrödinger equation H ψ(x) = E ψ(x), represented by a set of linear equations, is solved by using quick diagonalization routines. The solution ψ(x,t) of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation is then computed as ψ(x,t) = exp(-iHt) ψ₀(x) where ψ₀(x) is a gaussian wave-packet at initial time t = 0. You enter V(x) as RPN expression, set values of parameters and will get a solution in many cases within seconds ! - Atomic units used throughout (mass of electron = 1) - Quantum system defined by mass, interval [a, b] representing the Box and (real) potential energy V(x). - Spatially continuous problem discretized over [a, b] and time-independent Schrödinger equation represented by a system of N+1 linear equations using a 3, 5 or 7 point stencil; N being the number of x-steps. Maximum value of N depends on device’s RAM: up to 4000 when computing eigenvalues and eigenvectors, up to 8000 when computing eigenvalues only. - Diagonalization of hamiltonian matrix H gives eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. When computing eigenvalues only, lowest energy levels of bound states (if any) with up to 10-digit precision. - Listing of energy levels and visualisation of eigenwave-functions. - Animation shows gaussian wave-packet ψ(x,t) evolving with real-time evaluation of average velocity, kinetic energy and total energy. - Toggle between clockwise and counter-clockwise evolution of ψ(x,t). - Watch Real ψ, Imag ψ or probability density |ψ|². - Change initial gaussian parameters of the wave-packet (position, group velocity, standard deviation), enter any time value, then tap refresh button to observe changes in curves without new diagonalization. This is particularly useful to get a (usually more precise) solution for any time value t when animation is slower in cases of N being large. - Watch both solution ψ(x,t) and free wave-packet curves evolve together in time and separate when entering non-zero potential energy region. - Zoom in and out any part of the curves and watch how ψ(x,t) evolve locally.

About

Shor's algorithm

Features
Read full description

This app is a demonstration of Shor's algorithm. You can get some help to understand Shor's algorithm.

Screenshots

Quantum Wave in a Box4 screens
Shor's algorithm2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Quantum Wave in a Box at none against Shor's algorithm's 3. Quantum Wave in a Box also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 16.0). Shor's algorithm's advantage is update cadence (every 6 months vs every 37 months). On price, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Shor's algorithm sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Quantum Wave in a Box asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Quantum Wave in a Box ships an update every 37 months, Shor's algorithm every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and May 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Quantum Wave in a Box versus Shor's algorithm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterQuantum Wave in a BoxShor's algorithm
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 37 monthsEvery 6 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMichel RamillonSungjun Kim

In-app purchases

None

Quantum Wave in a Box

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Shor's algorithm

One-time3
  • coffee$0.99
  • latte$4.99
  • whopper set$9.99

Questions

Is Quantum Wave in a Box free?
Quantum Wave in a Box is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Shor's algorithm free?
Shor's algorithm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Quantum Wave in a Box or Shor's algorithm have ads?
Neither Quantum Wave in a Box nor Shor's algorithm shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Quantum Wave in a Box or Shor's algorithm?
Quantum Wave in a Box ships an update every 37 months, and Shor's algorithm every 6 months. Most recently, Quantum Wave in a Box was updated on June 1, 2026 and Shor's algorithm on May 19, 2026.

Other comparisons