# APE Optics Calculator vs RayLab

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: APE Optics Calculator at none against RayLab's 10. APE Optics Calculator also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 75%). RayLab's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 14 months) and ratings volume (67 vs 4). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. APE Optics Calculator asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for APE Optics Calculator against 4.7 for RayLab. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RayLab has 67 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of APE Optics Calculator's written reviews are positive against 75% of RayLab's.

APE Optics Calculator ships an update every 14 months, RayLab every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | APE Optics Calculator | RayLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ape-optics-calculator/id639207733/reviews)** | [4.7 (67 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raylab/id710190065/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **67** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 75.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 6 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 34 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Stefan Popien](https://appshunter.io/developer/639207736) | [Kamyar Ghandi](https://appshunter.io/developer/710190068) |

## What reviewers say

### APE Optics Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ape-optics-calculator/id639207733)

This app simplifies complex calculations for ultrafast and nonlinear laser optics. It handles frequency generation, optical parametric processes, and spectroscopic conversions. It also calculates pulse characteristics and power conversions for laser systems.

**Highlights:** Sum/Difference Frequency Generation calculations, Optical Parametric Oscillator/Amplifier calculations, Spectroscopy calculations (CARS, SRS), Wavelength, wavenumber, photon energy conversion, Pulse characterization (bandwidth, duration, dispersion), Power and energy conversion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### RayLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raylab/id710190065)

Design and simulate optical systems with this powerful tool. Explore 2D and 3D models, perform advanced ray tracing, and analyze optical performance. Ideal for learning or professional design.

**Highlights:** 2D/3D optical modeling, Geometric ray tracing, Sequential and non-sequential analysis, Advanced optical elements, Polarization ray tracing, Design optimization, Glass catalogs

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RayLab Pro Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| RayLab Pro Upgrade | Free | one-time |
| Schott Glass Catalog | $0.99 | one-time |
| Custom Glass Editor | $0.99 | one-time |
| Advanced Optical Elements | $1.99 | one-time |
| Source and Lens Arrays | $1.99 | one-time |
| Solver/Optimizer Module | $3.99 | one-time |
| 3D Modeling | $4.99 | one-time |
| RayLab Pro 2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| RayLab Pro Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is APE Optics Calculator free?

APE Optics Calculator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is RayLab free?

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

### Which has better reviews, APE Optics Calculator or RayLab?

APE Optics Calculator is rated higher. APE Optics Calculator averages 4.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while RayLab averages 4.7 from 67 ratings.

### Do APE Optics Calculator or RayLab have ads?

RayLab shows ads; APE Optics Calculator does not.

### Which is updated more often, APE Optics Calculator or RayLab?

APE Optics Calculator ships an update every 14 months, and RayLab every 6 weeks. Most recently, APE Optics Calculator was updated on October 23, 2026 and RayLab on October 23, 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.*