# STEM JUNIOR vs MindLabs STEM

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MindLabs STEM at none against STEM JUNIOR's 4. STEM JUNIOR's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. STEM JUNIOR sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. MindLabs STEM asks for nothing beyond the download.

STEM JUNIOR ships an update every 3 weeks, MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 11, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | STEM JUNIOR | MindLabs STEM |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mindlabs-stem/id6470496312/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 291 MB | 547 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [INSTITUTE VIETSTEM COMPANY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1484787821) | [Explore Interactive, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1230276866) |

## What reviewers say

### STEM JUNIOR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stem-junior/id1484787823)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 6 Months | $26.99 | one-time |
| 6 Months | $29.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months | $34.99 | one-time |
| 12 Months | $36.99 | 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 JUNIOR free?

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

### Is MindLabs STEM free?

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

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

Neither STEM JUNIOR nor MindLabs STEM shows ads.

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

STEM JUNIOR ships an update every 3 weeks, and MindLabs STEM every 2 months. Most recently, STEM JUNIOR was updated on September 11, 2026 and MindLabs STEM on September 11, 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.*