Metabolic Research Lab vs Nova Method
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Metabolic Research Lab
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Metabolic Lab App At Lumen, we are at the forefront of metabolic research, combining pioneering technology with scientific rigor. Lumen drives groundbreaking research by providing researchers with insights into their study participants' metabolic processes. The heart of our innovation lies in our first-of-its-kind, validated handheld device. The Lumen device is a breathalyzer that measures metabolic state in real-time using CO2 and flow sensors to indirectly determine metabolic fuel usage. The Lumen device pairs with this mobile app to instruct users on how and when to perform measurements. Its ease of use and availability as a personal device for multiple research subjects allow researchers to design innovative studies, collect objective data, and track metabolic progress anywhere. Importantly, participants are not exposed to any biofeedback while using this app. We offer two ways for researchers to incorporate Lumen’s services into their work: 1. Lumen as a Metabolic Measurement Device (Metabolic Lab): Suitable for researchers studying metabolic responses to acute or long-term interventions. Researchers can define and monitor metabolic progress remotely and effortlessly, broadening their scope and study group as there is no need for participants to visit the lab. 2. Lifestyle Intervention Studies: Ideal for researchers studying the effect of lifestyle interventions on metabolism. As a participant in a study, the app intends to send you reminders and instructions to preform exhalation assessments using the Lumen’s device. Please note: to use this app, you must have Lumen device and specifically be designated by a researcher incorporating Lumen services into its study. NOT MEDICAL ADVICE OR HEALTH CARE SERVICES: THE LUMEN’S APP AND THE DEVICE ARE NOT A MEDICAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES BUT RATHER A WELLNESS PRODUCTS INTENDED TO PROVIDE METABOLIC READING AND TRACKING. THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE DO NOT DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE, OR OTHERWISE ASSIST IN SUCH TREATMENT, NOR DO THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE PROVIDE ANY PROFESSIONAL HEALTH ADVICE OR MEDICAL DIAGNOSES. ANY PLAN OR SUGGESTION PROVIDED BY THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AND SHOULD NOT BE DEEMED MEDICAL OR OTHER HEALTH-RELATED PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT, OR A SUBSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. IF YOU SUFFER FROM ANY MEDICAL CONDITION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PRIOR TO THE USE OF THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE. IN ADDITION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDER PRIOR TO ANY RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE. RELIANCE ON ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED THROUGH THE LUMEN’S APP AND DEVICE IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK AND YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DECISIONS OR ACTIONS YOU TAKE BASED ON SUCH INFORMATION AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS.
Nova Method
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Your health starts with your metabolism. More than weight. More than calories. Most apps make you weigh food and count calories. Nova reads how every plate moves your metabolism: how your body digests it, whether it stores or burns, and how you recover. No weighing. No calorie math. Photograph any plate. Nova reads it in seconds and shows you what helped, what cost you, and what to do at your next meal. DIGESTION See how your body handles what you eat: food order, timing, and the raw, whole foods that keep you burning instead of storing. METABOLISM Every meal tips you toward stored or burned. Nova shows which way this one leans, and why. RECOVERY Know when to eat and how your body resets, so tomorrow starts clean. A COACH THAT TEACHES YOU Nova does not just grade your plate. It explains the why in plain language, plate by plate, until eating this way is second nature. Recovery days, meal reminders, and a full Learn library guide you the whole way. Photograph a plate. Understand your metabolism. Change how you eat for good. Nova is a food and habit tool. It is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. SUBSCRIPTION Nova Monthly: $4.99 per month. Nova Yearly: $49.99 per year ($4.16 per month) with a 7-day free trial. Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage or cancel in your Apple Account settings. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://nova-method.web.app/privacy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Metabolic Research Lab at none against Nova Method's 2. Nova Method's advantage is update cadence (every 8 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Nova Method sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Metabolic Research Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.
Metabolic Research Lab ships an update every 6 weeks, Nova Method every 8 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Metabolic Research Lab | Nova Method |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 8 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.3 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 92 MB | 28 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Metaflow | John Trabelsi |
In-app purchases
Metabolic Research Lab
No in-app purchases
Nova Method
- Nova Method Monthly$4.991 Month
- Nova Method Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year
Questions
Is Metabolic Research Lab free?
Is Nova Method free?
Do Metabolic Research Lab or Nova Method have ads?
Which is updated more often, Metabolic Research Lab or Nova Method?
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