# MEL VR Science Simulations vs Catalyst Academy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Catalyst Academy at none against MEL VR Science Simulations's 8. On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MEL VR Science Simulations sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Catalyst Academy asks for nothing beyond the download.

MEL VR Science Simulations ships an update every 2 months, Catalyst Academy every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MEL VR Science Simulations | Catalyst Academy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (90 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mel-vr-science-simulations/id1369900784/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **90** | — |
| Positive reviews | 56.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.1 GB | 187 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MEL Science Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/988394505) | [Catalyst Academy Tuition LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1859923346) |

## What reviewers say

### MEL VR Science Simulations

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mel-vr-science-simulations/id1369900784)

Explore chemistry and physics through immersive virtual reality simulations and interactive labs.  This app transforms learning complex scientific concepts into an engaging and entertaining experience, perfect for students and educators.

**Highlights:** Virtual reality science simulations, Interactive labs and lessons, Chemistry and physics curriculum alignment, Molecular and atomic level exploration, Interactive periodic table, Over 70 VR lessons, labs, and simulations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Atoms lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Periodic Table lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Molecules lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Gas Laws lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Isomerism lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Electrostatics lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Temperature lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Substances lessons pack | $9.99 | one-time |


### Catalyst Academy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catalyst-academy/id6756296903)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MEL VR Science Simulations free?

MEL VR Science Simulations is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Catalyst Academy free?

Catalyst Academy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do MEL VR Science Simulations or Catalyst Academy have ads?

Neither MEL VR Science Simulations nor Catalyst Academy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MEL VR Science Simulations or Catalyst Academy?

MEL VR Science Simulations ships an update every 2 months, and Catalyst Academy every 4 months. Most recently, MEL VR Science Simulations was updated on October 22, 2026 and Catalyst Academy on October 19, 2026.

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