Comparison

Vector Field vs Physarum

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

Head to head
About

Vector Field

Visualize mathematical vector fields with animated particles in 2D, 3D, or spherical spaces. Input custom equations and adjust simulation parameters in real-time to explore dynamical systems and mathematical patterns interactively.

Highlights
  • 2D, 3D, and spherical vector field visualization
  • Customizable dx, dy, dz equations
  • Adjustable particle speed, density, and colors
  • Time-dependent field animation
  • Interactive 3D view rotation
  • Real-time rendering powered by Metal
Features
Read full description

Vector Field lets you create and visualize mathematical vector fields with thousands of animated particles. Enter your own equations, adjust the simulation instantly, and watch how particles move through 2D, 3D, or spherical spaces. Whether you are studying differential equations, experimenting with dynamical systems, teaching vector calculus, or simply exploring mathematical patterns, Vector Field turns equations into interactive motion. Features: • Visualize vector fields in 2D, 3D, and on a sphere • Define custom dx, dy, and dz equations using x, y, z, and time t • Use built-in function presets or save your own • Adjust particle speed, density, lifetime, colors, and ranges • Animate time-dependent fields • Normalize vectors to focus on direction • Rotate 3D views interactively • Powered by Metal for smooth real-time rendering • Create, tweak, and discover vector fields directly from your device.

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

Vector Field4 screens
Physarum4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Vector Field at none against Physarum's 6. Vector Field also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). Physarum's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 73%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On price and ads 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. Physarum sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Vector Field asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Physarum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Physarum has 34 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of Vector Field's written reviews are positive against 100% of Physarum's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Vector Field ships an update every 3 months, Physarum every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Vector Field versus Physarum: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVector FieldPhysarum
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (6 ratings)4.8 (34 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.7% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings634 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB32 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperEliott MorgenszternGEORGY OSTROBROD

Customer experience

Vector Field

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews11 reviews
Positive72.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative27.3%

Physarum

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

In-app purchases

None

Vector Field

No in-app purchases

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 Vector Field free?
Vector Field is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Physarum free?
Physarum is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Vector Field or Physarum?
Physarum is rated higher. Vector Field averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Physarum averages 4.8 from 34 ratings.
Do Vector Field or Physarum have ads?
Neither Vector Field nor Physarum shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Vector Field or Physarum?
Vector Field ships an update every 3 months, and Physarum every 5 weeks. Most recently, Vector Field was updated on November 3, 2026 and Physarum on November 5, 2026.

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