LaunchPad Discovery vs MindLabs STEM
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
LaunchPad Discovery
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The LaunchPad App is an SEL tool created in conjunction with the Rewriting Futures Discovery Series. Our goal is to build deeper relationships with students and our communities.
MindLabs STEM
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.
- Augmented reality STEM learning
- Interactive challenges
- Collaborative CREATE mode
- Physical card integration
- Covers energy, motion, light, and more
- Suitable for ages 8+
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MindLabs STEM is a magical learning tool for children ages 8 and older that covers STEM topics such as Energy & Circuits; Force & Motion through Simple Machines; Light & Sound and more! MindLabs combines a digital app, physical cards, and augmented reality in a fun, exciting, and research-based approach to learning core science and engineering concepts. Children practice concepts in a carefully sequenced series of interactive challenges. In the collaborative CREATE mode, they can create unlimited designs while playing with teammates in the same or different locations. Designed for one to four players, this open-ended learning experience sparks a child's interest in science, engineering, and the world around them. The MindLabs STEM app is FREE, but you need the physical cards to play! Download and print sample cards to try a quick demo here: www.exploremindlabs.com This product has been supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1913637 and National Institutes of Health Grant No. R43GM134813.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: MindLabs STEM at every 2 months against LaunchPad Discovery's every 36 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
LaunchPad Discovery ships an update every 36 months, MindLabs STEM every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LaunchPad Discovery | MindLabs STEM |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 36 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 22 MB | 547 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Clear Design Group LLC | Explore Interactive, Inc. |
In-app purchases
LaunchPad Discovery
No in-app purchases
MindLabs STEM
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LaunchPad Discovery free?
Is MindLabs STEM free?
Do LaunchPad Discovery or MindLabs STEM have ads?
Which is updated more often, LaunchPad Discovery or MindLabs STEM?
Other comparisons
