# MEL STEM vs MindLabs STEM

The clearest difference is ratings volume: MEL STEM at 451 against MindLabs STEM's 1. MEL STEM also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). MindLabs STEM's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MindLabs STEM holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MEL STEM has 451 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

MEL STEM ships an update monthly, MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | MEL STEM | MindLabs STEM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (451 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mel-stem-science-for-kids/id1474360296/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlabs-stem/id6470496312/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **451** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 244 MB | 549 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MEL Science Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/988394505) | [Explore Interactive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230276866) |

## What reviewers say

### MEL STEM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mel-stem-science-for-kids/id1474360296)

Explore fundamental scientific concepts like light, sound, and electricity through interactive games and AR experiences. This app offers visual explanations and virtual experiments for young learners, guided by engaging characters.

**Highlights:** Interactive science games, AR STEM experiences, Visual explanations of concepts, Virtual science lab, 3D/AR visual explanations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great subscription box for families
- 💡 Interactive and engaging app
- 👍 Kits and apps are fun
- 👍 Cool science experiments
- 👍 Good conversation starters

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 AR/3D modes are black and unusable
- 🐛 Instruction book missing
- 🐛 Card scanning not working
- 🐛 App not working at all

**Reported bugs**

- Card cannot be scanned, no option available
- AR sections show black screen
- App is completely unusable due to black screens in AR and 3D mode after update
- Non-stop crashing, app not working
- Missing instruction book for luminescence kit

**Requested features**

- Fix card scanning functionality
- Ensure instruction books are included with kits


### 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 MEL STEM free?

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

### Is MindLabs STEM free?

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

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

MindLabs STEM is rated higher. MEL STEM averages 4.8 out of 5 from 451 ratings, while MindLabs STEM averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

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

Neither MEL STEM nor MindLabs STEM shows ads.

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

MEL STEM ships an update monthly, and MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Most recently, MEL STEM was updated on November 3, 2026 and MindLabs STEM on November 3, 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.*