# STEM Buddies vs MindLabs STEM

The clearest difference is rating: MindLabs STEM at 5.0 against STEM Buddies's 4.4. MindLabs STEM also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 14) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). STEM Buddies's advantage is ratings volume (54 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. STEM Buddies sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 6 months. MindLabs STEM asks for nothing beyond the download.

MindLabs STEM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: STEM Buddies has 54 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

STEM Buddies ships an update every 5 months, MindLabs STEM every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | STEM Buddies | MindLabs STEM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (54 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stem-buddieskids-learning-app/id1380413683/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlabs-stem/id6470496312/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **54** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 487 MB | 549 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sindyan Educational Media FZ-LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1358132862) | [Explore Interactive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230276866) |

## What reviewers say

### STEM Buddies

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stem-buddieskids-learning-app/id1380413683)

This app offers an interactive and engaging way for children aged 4-9 to learn about science. It features animated stories, quizzes, and games covering seven key STEM themes, designed by experts and certified for educational quality.

**Highlights:** Animated STEM tales, Interactive quizzes, Kid learning games, Certificates of Completion, Artful coloring sheets, Science for kids videos

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Semi-Annual Subscription | $5.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual Subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Gravity | $0.99 | one-time |
| Flying | $1.99 | one-time |
| Sound | $1.99 | one-time |
| Water Cycle | $1.99 | one-time |
| Germs | $1.99 | one-time |
| Muscles | $1.99 | one-time |
| Healthy Diet | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buildings | $1.99 | one-time |
| Solar System | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coding | $1.99 | one-time |
| Level One | $4.99 | one-time |
| Level Two | $4.99 | one-time |


### MindLabs STEM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlabs-stem/id6470496312)

This app uses augmented reality to teach children ages 8+ core STEM concepts like energy, motion, and light. It combines digital challenges with physical cards for an interactive and research-based learning experience. Players can collaborate on designs in a creative mode.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality STEM learning, Interactive challenges, Collaborative CREATE mode, Physical card integration, Covers energy, motion, light, and more, Suitable for ages 8+

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is STEM Buddies free?

STEM Buddies is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is MindLabs STEM free?

MindLabs STEM is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, STEM Buddies or MindLabs STEM?

MindLabs STEM is rated higher. STEM Buddies averages 4.4 out of 5 from 54 ratings, while MindLabs STEM averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do STEM Buddies or MindLabs STEM have ads?

Neither STEM Buddies nor MindLabs STEM shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, STEM Buddies or MindLabs STEM?

STEM Buddies ships an update every 5 months, and MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Most recently, STEM Buddies was updated on October 24, 2026 and MindLabs STEM on October 15, 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.*