Comparison

Atom in a Box vs steps2MATH

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

Head to head
About

Atom in a Box

Explore the quantum world of the Hydrogen atom with interactive 3D visualizations of electron orbitals. This app uses advanced raytracing to show probability densities in real-time, animating and describing 140 eigenstates up to the n=7 energy level. Discover the structure and behavior of atoms.

Highlights
  • 3D volumetric raytracing
  • Real-time probability density visualization
  • Animation of 140 eigenstates
  • Multitouch and accelerometer rotation
  • Mathematical descriptions of states
  • Exploration of atomic aspects
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Atom in a Box is an aid for visualizing the Hydrogenic atomic orbitals, the three-dimensional states that the electron occupies in Hydrogen, a prime and otherwise unwieldy example of Quantum Mechanics. It interactively shows what the Hydrogen atom "looks" like. Unique among visualizations of Quantum Mechanics, it uses highly optimized code to perform 3D volumetric raytracing through the electron wavefunction's probability density and presents its results in real-time. It animates and mathematically describes all 140 eigenstates up to the n=7 energy level. The app links to an online FAQ, and the atom rotates with multitouch and the accelerometer. The bottom line is: Explore! The user are meant to explore all aspects of the atom, what it is and what it can do.

About

steps2MATH

This app provides step-by-step solutions and explanations for a wide range of math problems, from basic arithmetic to complex calculus. It offers interactive function graphs, unit conversions, and an extensive exercise library to aid students in grades 5-11.

Highlights
  • Step-by-step math solutions
  • Detailed explanations for each step
  • Interactive function graphs
  • Unit conversion (SI and others)
  • Extensive exercise library
  • Supports 35 languages
  • Scientific calculator functionality
Features
Read full description

Say goodbye to “math is stupid” and welcome to steps2Math. True to the motto “Understand instead of despair,” steps2Math provides students, parents, and teachers in grades 5 through 11 with an accessible way to approach mathematics. That’s because steps2Math doesn’t just calculate and solve math problems—it shows the corresponding solution steps one by one. Features of steps2Math: • Algebra problems can be entered. • The solution process is generated and displayed. • Each step in the solution is accompanied by an explanation. • The steps are highlighted in red and linked to the explanations. • Side calculations (addition, division, multiplication) • For functions, the corresponding graphs are generated. • Graphs for both sides of an equation. • For functions, a value table is also displayed alongside the graph. • The graphs can be zoomed in, zoomed out, and moved as desired. • For equations, the verification step is also performed. • 35 languages are supported. • You can switch between them at any time within the app. • Local number formatting is supported for some languages. • The output can be customized to the user’s preferences and abilities. • An extensive collection of exercises with more than 500 templates. • The practice problems are generated anew from templates each time. • As a result, Steps2MATH contains countless exercises. • Calculations are performed with precision. • Rounded values are also displayed. • The exercises can be saved as documents. • History • Conversion of units of measurement • SI units from ampere to weber. • Other units such as inches and yards. The app can also be used as a scientific calculator. Mathematical features: • Natural numbers • Integers • Fractions • Decimals • Rational numbers • Percentages • Powers • Algebraic manipulations • Linear equations • Systems of linear equations • Roots • Quadratic equations • Trigonometric functions (π/°) • Exponential functions • Logarithms • Complex numbers • Signum • Rounding • Absolute value • Binomial coefficients • Differential calculus

Screenshots

Atom in a Box3 screens
steps2MATH4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Atom in a Box at 3.7 against steps2MATH's 3.0. Atom in a Box also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 6) and chart position (#174 vs unranked). steps2MATH's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $7.99) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 11 months). On review sentiment, ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Atom in a Box costs $7.99 and steps2MATH $0.99 up front. steps2MATH sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Atom in a Box asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Atom in a Box holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 2 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 79% of Atom in a Box's written reviews are positive against 86% of steps2MATH's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Atom in a Box ships an update every 11 months, steps2MATH every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
Atom in a Box versus steps2MATH: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAtom in a Boxsteps2MATH
Price$7.99$0.99 — better
Rating3.7 (7 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews79.3% of reviews85.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings7 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 11 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
Best chart rank#174 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS10.3 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDauger Research, Inc.Nees Consult

Customer experience

Atom in a Box

All ratings7 ratings
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews29 reviews
Positive79.3%
Neutral10.3%
Negative10.3%

steps2MATH

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

In-app purchases

None

Atom in a Box

No in-app purchases

6 purchases

steps2MATH

One-time6
  • Exercises Level III$1.99
  • Exercises Level I$3.99
  • Exercises Level II$3.99
Show 3 more
  • Support of measuring units$3.99
  • Without advertising$4.99
  • all-inclusive$11.99

Questions

Is Atom in a Box free?
Atom in a Box costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is steps2MATH free?
steps2MATH costs $0.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Atom in a Box or steps2MATH?
Atom in a Box is rated higher. Atom in a Box averages 3.7 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while steps2MATH averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do Atom in a Box or steps2MATH have ads?
Neither Atom in a Box nor steps2MATH shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Atom in a Box or steps2MATH?
Atom in a Box ships an update every 11 months, and steps2MATH every 3 months. Most recently, Atom in a Box was updated on October 15, 2026 and steps2MATH on October 16, 2026.

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