# Science Practical Simulator vs Chem AI

The clearest difference is monetization model: Science Practical Simulator at free with in-app purchases against Chem AI's subscription. Science Practical Simulator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). Chem AI's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 months) and review sentiment (20% vs 8%). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Science Practical Simulator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Chem AI sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Science Practical Simulator ships an update every 6 months, Chem AI fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Science Practical Simulator | Chem AI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (822 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chem-ai-chemistry-solver/id6471891010/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **822** |
| Positive reviews | 8.3% of reviews | **20.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 59 MB | 149 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Science Practical Simulator ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1241678662) | [ZipoApps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1671444635) |

## What reviewers say

### Science Practical Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/science-practical-simulator/id1526798705)

This app provides interactive simulations for science practicals, guiding users through each step with clear instructions and equipment identification. It's designed for revision, offering method quizzes and progress tracking to help students prepare for exams and develop essential lab skills.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step practical guidance, Equipment identification ('highlight ID'), Method quizzes after each practical, Progress tracking and completion counts, Unlimited revision attempts, Adjustable background colors for dyslexia, Expandable instructions for visual impairment

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Simulator Access | $0.99 | one-time |


### Chem AI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chem-ai-chemistry-solver/id6471891010)

Instantly solve any chemistry problem with step-by-step explanations. Upload or photograph your questions, and get detailed solutions for various chemistry topics, from high school to advanced research. Offers a free trial before subscription.

**Highlights:** Photo recognition for chemistry problems, Step-by-step solution explanations, Supports high school to doctoral research topics, Detailed math solutions, Copy and share solutions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Access | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Chem AI - Chem Solver Weekly | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Unlimited Access | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $19.99 | per month |
| Unlimited Access | $29.99 | per year |
| Chem AI - Chem Solver Yearly | $34.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $39.99 | per year |
| Unlimited Access | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick problem solving
- 💡 Helpful for chemistry courses
- 👍 Easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Incorrect answers
- 🔒 Subscription issues
- 💰 Expensive
- 🤔 Limited functionality in advanced courses

**Reported bugs**

- Freezes or goes blank when trying to get answers
- Incompatible with some chemistry problems

**Requested features**

- Improve accuracy for organic chemistry and physical chemistry
- Add step-by-step explanations for free users
- Improve subscription management and cancellation process


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Science Practical Simulator free?

Science Practical Simulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Chem AI free?

Chem AI is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Science Practical Simulator or Chem AI have ads?

Chem AI shows ads; Science Practical Simulator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Science Practical Simulator or Chem AI?

Science Practical Simulator ships an update every 6 months, and Chem AI fortnightly. Most recently, Science Practical Simulator was updated on November 3, 2026 and Chem AI on November 4, 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.*