Comparison

Fractal Generator vs Physarum

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

Head to head
About

Fractal Generator

Explore the beauty of mathematics by creating intricate fractals. Design them using traditional mathematical methods or a visual drag-and-drop builder. Learn, experiment, and export high-resolution images of your mathematical art.

Highlights
  • Create fractals analytically
  • Visual drag-and-drop fractal builder
  • Learn fractal mathematics
  • Experiment with transformations
  • Export high-resolution images
  • Built-in tutorial
Features
Read full description

Fractal Generator Explore the beauty of mathematics through fractals. Fractal Generator lets you create Iterated Function System (IFS) fractals using both traditional mathematical methods and a new visual, drag-and-drop builder. Whether you’re learning linear transformations, teaching fractals in the classroom, or simply experimenting with mathematical art, the app makes fractals approachable and rewarding to explore. Create Fractals Analytically • Build fractals using classic affine transformation coefficients • Enter and edit values directly • Render self-similar fractals in real time Fractals are generated from systems of equations that describe how points are transformed. These systems can be solved using substitution, elimination, or matrices, making the app a natural companion for algebra and linear algebra coursework. New in Version 2.0 — Visual Fractal Builder Design fractals visually by placing and manipulating shapes on a grid. The visual builder converts geometric transformations into the underlying mathematical coefficients automatically, allowing you to: • Experiment without starting from equations • See how transformations affect the final fractal • Better understand how IFS systems are constructed This makes fractals more intuitive, especially for visual learners. Learn, Experiment, and Explore • Recreate classic fractals included in the app • Modify existing systems or create your own • Watch a built-in tutorial explaining how the math behind fractals works Export and Share • Export high-resolution images • Optional transparent backgrounds for PNG export • Save to Photos or share your creations easily Fractal Generator Pro Unlock the full experience with a one-time Pro upgrade: • All fractal collections • Visual drag-and-drop builder • Advanced export options No subscriptions. No accounts. No tracking. If you previously purchased any fractal pack, restoring purchases automatically unlocks Pro. Designed for iPhone, iPad, and Mac Support: support@lightbulblearninglogic.com Privacy Policy: https://lightbulblearninglogic.com/privacy-policy/

About

Physarum

Explore the fascinating emergent behavior of slime molds through a visually rich simulation. Adjust agent parameters, influence growth with intuitive controls, and discover complex, mesmerizing patterns.

Highlights
  • Slime mold behavior simulation
  • Autonomous agent control
  • Adjustable agent parameters
  • Maze solving and network formation
  • Vibrant color modes
  • Interactive system manipulation
Read full description

Explore artificial life through a living, flowing simulation inspired by Physarum polycephalum, the slime mold famous for forming networks, solving paths, and showing intelligence without a brain. Physarum turns simple local rules into complex motion. Thousands of agents sense trails, turn, move, and deposit new traces. As the field evolves, branching networks, waves, and organic textures emerge in real time. Use Physarum to: - Tune sensor distance, turn angle, movement, and trail strength - Paint into the field and guide the simulation by touch - Explore chaotic, branching, and self-organizing patterns - Save and restore interesting agents, fields, and rules - Create vivid generative visuals with color controls It is part science toy, part generative art studio, and part meditative visual instrument. Whether you study emergent systems, teach artificial life, or simply enjoy hypnotic motion, Physarum gives you a hands-on way to watch complexity grow from simple behavior.

Screenshots

Fractal Generator4 screens
Physarum4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Physarum at 100% against Fractal Generator's 60%. Physarum also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). Fractal Generator's advantage is iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Fractal Generator sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Physarum sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Physarum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Physarum has 35 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Fractal Generator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Physarum's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Fractal Generator ships an update every 3 months, Physarum every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Fractal Generator versus Physarum: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterFractal GeneratorPhysarum
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (6 ratings)4.8 (35 ratings) — better
Positive reviews60.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings635 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRussell ThormanGEORGY OSTROBROD

Customer experience

Fractal Generator

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%

Physarum

All ratings12 ratings
Positive91.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

5 purchases

Fractal Generator

One-time5
  • Leaf Collection$0.99
  • Snowflake Collection$0.99
  • Arrow Collection$0.99
Show 2 more
  • Spiral Collection$0.99
  • Fractal Generator Pro$2.99
3 purchases

Physarum

One-time3
  • Small developer tip2 variants$1.99
  • Medium developer tip2 variants$3.99
  • Big developer tip2 variants$5.99

Questions

Is Fractal Generator free?
Fractal Generator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Physarum free?
Physarum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Fractal Generator or Physarum?
Physarum is rated higher. Fractal Generator averages 4.3 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Physarum averages 4.8 from 35 ratings.
Do Fractal Generator or Physarum have ads?
Neither Fractal Generator nor Physarum shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Fractal Generator or Physarum?
Fractal Generator ships an update every 3 months, and Physarum every 5 weeks. Most recently, Fractal Generator was updated on November 2, 2026 and Physarum on November 8, 2026.

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