# SPARKvue 4 vs phyphox

The clearest difference is rating: phyphox at 4.6 against SPARKvue 4's 1.9. phyphox also leads on review sentiment (79% vs 46%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

phyphox holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 1.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 638 and 272 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of SPARKvue 4's written reviews are positive against 79% of phyphox's.

SPARKvue 4 ships an update every 2 months, phyphox every 3 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SPARKvue 4 | phyphox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.9 (638 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkvue-4/id361907181/reviews) | **[4.6 (272 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **638** | 272 |
| Positive reviews | 46.0% of reviews | **78.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 91 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [PASCO scientific](https://appshunter.io/developer/361907184) | [RWTH Aachen University](https://appshunter.io/developer/371466796) |

## What reviewers say

### SPARKvue 4

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkvue-4/id361907181)

Collect, visualize, and analyze real-time sensor data for STEM education. Wirelessly connect sensors, capture images for analysis, and build custom displays. Share live data and create electronic lab journals for collaborative learning.

**Highlights:** Live sensor data collection, Wireless Bluetooth sensor connection, Multiple data display options, Built-in statistical analysis tools, Interactive lab activities, Electronic student lab journals, Live data sharing

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Saved my life
- 🚀 Cured my cancer
- 🚀 Helped me get a girlfriend
- 🚀 Gave me superpowers
- 🚀 Transported me to Syria

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashed my computer
- 🐛 Killed my family
- 🐛 Gave me testicular cancer
- 🐛 Asked for my location
- 🐛 Turned me into a communist

**Reported bugs**

- Caused spontaneous combustion
- Erased all my data
- Triggered a nuclear meltdown
- Turned my dog into a salad bowl
- Gave me a permanent wedgie

**Requested features**

- Add free Fortnite V-Bucks
- Integrate with Tinder
- Allow users to summon demons
- Provide a self-destruct button
- Add support for teleportation


### phyphox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phyphox/id1127319693)

Unlock your phone's sensors for scientific exploration. Conduct pre-built experiments or create your own using accelerometers, magnetometers, and more. Analyze and export data in various formats for further study.

**Highlights:** Pre-defined experiments, Data export (CSV, TSV, Excel), Web-based remote control, Custom experiment editor, Access to phone sensors, Advanced analysis functions

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Access to phone sensors
- 🔬 Useful for physics experiments
- 📊 Data logging and export
- 🆓 Free and no ads
- 🤔 Sparks curiosity

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 📉 Inconsistent performance
- 🔒 App locks/minimizes recording
- ❓ Units not always clear
- ⚠️ Potential for device damage

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on older devices
- Barometer not working on iOS 17.4
- Network error: Generic error
- Sound measurement curve disappears
- App crashes frequently

**Requested features**

- Add infrasound detector
- More units of measurement (G-force, PSI, feet)
- NFC/RFID support
- In-app bug report feature
- Allow other sensors via USB-C


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SPARKvue 4 free?

SPARKvue 4 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is phyphox free?

phyphox is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SPARKvue 4 or phyphox?

phyphox is rated higher. SPARKvue 4 averages 1.9 out of 5 from 638 ratings, while phyphox averages 4.6 from 272 ratings.

### Do SPARKvue 4 or phyphox have ads?

Neither SPARKvue 4 nor phyphox shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SPARKvue 4 or phyphox?

SPARKvue 4 ships an update every 2 months, and phyphox every 3 months. Most recently, SPARKvue 4 was updated on September 24, 2026 and phyphox on September 24, 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.*