Comparison

Metabolic Research Lab vs Nova Method

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

Head to head
About

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.

About

Nova Method

Features
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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

Metabolic Research Lab4 screens
Nova Method4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
Metabolic Research Lab versus Nova Method: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMetabolic Research LabNova Method
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 8 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS14.3 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size92 MB28 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperMetaflowJohn Trabelsi

In-app purchases

None

Metabolic Research Lab

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Nova Method

Subscriptions2
  • Nova Method Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Nova Method Yearly7 Days trial$49.991 Year

Questions

Is Metabolic Research Lab free?
Metabolic Research Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nova Method free?
Nova Method is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Metabolic Research Lab or Nova Method have ads?
Neither Metabolic Research Lab nor Nova Method shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Metabolic Research Lab or Nova Method?
Metabolic Research Lab ships an update every 6 weeks, and Nova Method every 8 days. Most recently, Metabolic Research Lab was updated on October 5, 2026 and Nova Method on October 4, 2026.

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