Comparison

Plasmids X vs Quartzy

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

Head to head
About

Plasmids X

Design, create, and analyze custom DNA plasmids with this intuitive molecular genetics tool. Supports importing, editing, and sharing plasmids, with powerful in silico analysis features for researchers and students.

Highlights
  • Create plasmids from sequences
  • Import from .dna and Genbank files
  • Edit plasmids by adding features
  • In silico analysis (sequence alignment, PCR, digestion)
  • Share and collaborate on plasmids
Features
Read full description

Plasmids X: Your ultimate plasmid editor! A plasmid is a small circular DNA molecule commonly found in bacteria and some other microorganisms. It exists independently of the organism's chromosomal DNA and can replicate itself within the cell. Scientists frequently use plasmids in genetic engineering and biotechnology, as they are easily manipulated and serve as vehicles for introducing new genes into cells for various purposes including research and the production of useful proteins. Whether you're an expert researcher or just starting in the world of molecular genetics, Plasmids X allows you to design, create, and analyze plasmids effortlessly. Key Features: Create Plasmids: Create plasmids from scratch! Just provide a sequence, in FASTA format or raw sequence, and the app will create a new plasmid and automatically add common DNA features. Alternatively, you can create a new plasmid from smaller DNA fragments from the library embedded in the app (this is a paid feature). Import Plasmids: Import plasmid sequence and features from .dna and Genbank formatted files. Edit Plasmids: Editing plasmids could not be easier! This function of the Plasmids X app allows you to add custom DNA features to an existing plasmid. Powerful Analysis Tools: the Plasmids X app not only allows you to visualize your plasmids, it also enables you to perform critical in silico analysis such as sequence alignment, primer Tm estimation, PCR, and restriction enzyme digestion analysis on your plasmid in seconds! (Some of these are paid features.) Share and Collaborate: Collaborate with your peers by sharing your plasmids with a tap! Whether you're conducting research in molecular biology and genetics or learning the very principles of genetics, the Plasmids X app is here to assist you. Important information: To use enhanced iPad support a monthly or annual subscription is required. Try Enhanced iPad Support free for 3 days. Terms of service: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy policy: https://aminmahpour.com/privacy_plasmids.html

About

Quartzy

Manage your lab's inventory with this mobile tool. Track stock, submit requests, and scan items to ensure supplies are always available, preventing experimental delays. Generate unique barcodes directly from your account.

Highlights
  • Track inventory in real-time
  • Submit supply requests
  • Scan and receive items
  • Print unique barcodes
  • Up-to-date stock view
Features
Read full description

Quartzy Mobile App allows everyone in the lab to track inventory, creating a more up-to-date view of what is available in your lab, so supplies can be ordered in time and no experiment is delayed. Track and update inventory Submit supply requests Scan and receive items into inventory Print unique barcodes right from your Quartzy account

Screenshots

Plasmids X4 screens
Quartzy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Quartzy at none against Plasmids X's 14. Quartzy also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18). Plasmids X's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (33% vs 25%). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Plasmids X sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Quartzy asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.4 for Plasmids X against 3.3 for Quartzy. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 16 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 33% of Plasmids X's written reviews are positive against 25% of Quartzy's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 1, 2026 and July 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Plasmids X versus Quartzy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlasmids XQuartzy
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.4 (7 ratings) — better3.3 (16 ratings)
Positive reviews33.3% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings716 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS1815.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB39 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAmin MahpourQuartzy, Inc.

Customer experience

Plasmids X

All ratings6 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive33.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative66.7%

Quartzy

All ratings16 ratings
Positive56.3%
Neutral6.3%
Negative37.5%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

14 purchases

Plasmids X

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly3 Days trial$1.991 Month
  • Yearly3 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time12
  • A cup of coffee!$1.99
  • Split View Support$1.99
  • Manual Cloning$3.99
Show 9 more
  • In-silico PCR Support$3.99
  • NCBI Entrez Support$3.99
  • Local Alignment Support$3.99
  • A box of joe!$4.99
  • BLAST Support$4.99
  • ApE File Support$4.99
  • Genbank Support$4.99
  • dna File Support$5.99
  • All Features$24.99
None

Quartzy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Plasmids X free?
Plasmids X is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Quartzy free?
Quartzy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Plasmids X or Quartzy?
Plasmids X is rated higher. Plasmids X averages 3.4 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Quartzy averages 3.3 from 16 ratings.
Do Plasmids X or Quartzy have ads?
Quartzy shows ads; Plasmids X does not.
Which is updated more often, Plasmids X or Quartzy?
Plasmids X ships an update monthly, and Quartzy monthly. Most recently, Plasmids X was updated on June 1, 2026 and Quartzy on July 5, 2026.

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