Comparison

LockDown Browser vs Aktiv Learning

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

Head to head
About

LockDown Browser

This application creates a secure browser environment for online exams, preventing access to other applications, websites, or device functions. It ensures the integrity of assessments by locking users into the exam until submission. It is compatible with specific learning systems and can be used with proctoring systems if enabled by an instructor.

Highlights
  • Locks down exam environment
  • Prevents switching applications
  • Blocks access to other URLs
  • Disables screenshots
  • Prohibits copying or printing
  • Integrates with learning systems
Read full description

LockDown Browser is a custom browser that locks down the exam environment within specific learning and assessment systems. When LockDown Browser is used during an online exam, you are unable to go to other URLs, switch applications, take screenshots, copy questions or print. It essentially locks you into the exam until it’s submitted for grading. Important: This application can only be used with the Respondus Monitor proctoring system if your instructor has enabled the use of an iPad for the exam. If your instructor hasn't enabled the use of an iPad for the exam, you will be unable to use this application with it. While LockDown Browser isn’t the most exciting app available, it does make online assessments possible. And, hey, you can download it for free. This is NOT a limited-feature version and there are NO advertisements of any type.

About

Aktiv Learning

This platform offers dynamic problems and interactive tools for college-level chemistry and math. It helps students visualize abstract STEM concepts and provides instructors with real-time insights into class understanding. Features include a mobile-friendly Lewis structure drawing tool and over 250 practice questions.

Highlights
  • Interactive Lewis structure drawing tool
  • Dynamic STEM problems
  • Real-time class results
  • Over 250 built-in practice questions
  • Create in-class or homework assignments
  • Isoform recognition for answers
Read full description

Aktiv Learning is an active learning platform built specifically for college-level chemistry and mathematics. Say goodbye to static content and generic multiple choice questions and hello to dynamic problems that are designed to help students learn and visualize abstract concepts in STEM. Aktiv Learning allows chemistry instructors to ask students engaging questions, such as drawing Lewis structures, and receive real-time information on what structures the class is drawing. The app features a custom-built tool that allows students and instructors to quickly and intuitively draw Lewis structures on mobile devices. Additionally, both students and instructors have access to over 250 built-in questions related to Lewis structures, resonance, molecular geometries, VSEPR, hybridization, sigma and pi bonding, and molecular polarity. Features: • Intuitive Lewis structures drawing tool built specifically for mobile devices - Use as engaging demonstration for your students to show example Lewis structures and reinforce concepts such as the octet rule, formal charge, and VSEPR. Students can take advantage of the drawing tool to visualize the relationship between Lewis structures and molecular shapes. • Create in-class or homework assignments - Perfect for clicker, recitation, or review problems. Students receive push notifications to alert and remind them of pending assignments. • Assign or practice with over 250 built-in questions related to Lewis structures, resonance, molecular geometries, VSEPR, hybridization, sigma and pi bonding, and molecular polarity. • Real-time class results - Quickly find common incorrect structures to address student misunderstanding before exams. • Isoform recognition - Aktiv’s technology recognizes correct answers independent of the drawn structure orientation. • Export student activity - Student participation and performance exported in a tap of a button. • Easy sign-up - Students and instructors can create accounts and join courses all within the app in a few steps. • School IT and device independent - Assign, work, and review from any mobile device and over any network connection. More content and features coming soon!

Screenshots

Aktiv Learning4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Aktiv Learning at 73% against LockDown Browser's 8%. Aktiv Learning also leads on rating (3.2 vs 1.2). LockDown Browser's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (4K vs 184). On price, update cadence, 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

Both are free to download. Aktiv Learning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. LockDown Browser asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Aktiv Learning holds the better App Store score, 3.2 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LockDown Browser has 4K ratings behind it against 184, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 8% of LockDown Browser's written reviews are positive against 73% of Aktiv Learning's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
LockDown Browser versus Aktiv Learning: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLockDown BrowserAktiv Learning
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.2 (4K ratings)3.2 (184 ratings) — better
Positive reviews7.6% of reviews72.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings4K — better184
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB95 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRespondus Inc.Top Hat Monocle

Customer experience

LockDown Browser

All ratings3,954 ratings
Positive4.5%
Neutral0.9%
Negative94.6%
Written reviews421 reviews
Positive7.6%
Neutral1.7%
Negative90.7%

Aktiv Learning

All ratings184 ratings
Positive53.8%
Neutral2.7%
Negative43.5%
Written reviews91 reviews
Positive72.5%
Neutral2.2%
Negative25.3%

User reviews

LockDown Browser

From 4K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Works well on iPad
  • 🔒 Secures exams
  • 👍 Helpful for online tests

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes and freezes frequently
  • 🔒 Locks down devices too aggressively
  • 👎 Unreliable and glitchy
  • 💤 Slow and unresponsive
  • 🔋 Drains device battery

Aktiv Learning

From 184 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
  • 📱 Works seamlessly on both mobile and desktop
  • 💡 Interactive problem-solving tools (Lewis structures, dimensional analysis)
  • 🎯 Multiple attempts per question reduce fear of failure
  • 📚 Detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
  • ⏱️ Extremely slow loading times
  • 🔐 Login and authentication issues
  • 📱 Drag-and-drop functionality malfunctions on iPad
  • ❌ Confusing and unclear question directions

Bugs and requests

LockDown Browser

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Fails to load tests and quizzes
  • Prevents device power off and exit
  • Incompatible with other apps like Canvas
  • Randomly kicks users out of exams

Requested features

4 requests
  • Improved compatibility with iPads
  • Better error handling and recovery
  • Streamlined setup and onboarding
  • More user-friendly interface

Aktiv Learning

Reported bugs

10 issues
  • Pop-up warnings flicker and disappear too quickly
  • Drag-and-drop fails 70% of the time on iOS
  • App crashes on specific problems with no recovery
  • Login errors and password reset failures
  • Users locked out of questions permanently
Show 5 more
  • Window resizing issues on iPad 12.9in
  • Questions don't load properly or display incompletely
  • Subscripts/superscripts not displaying on Mac
  • Split-screen functionality disabled
  • Inconsistent performance between app and web versions

Requested features

10 requests
  • In-app notification system for assignment reminders
  • Ability to sign up for courses on mobile app
  • Split-screen functionality on iPad
  • Zoom capability for periodic table
  • Reset button for Lewis structure questions
Show 5 more
  • Full solutions displayed after using all attempts
  • Better hints and guidance for dimensional analysis
  • School login integration on mobile app
  • Improved question clarity and directions
  • Subscript and superscript display on web version

In-app purchases

None

LockDown Browser

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Aktiv Learning

One-time1
  • Chem101 Course Activation$29.99

Questions

Is LockDown Browser free?
LockDown Browser is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Aktiv Learning free?
Aktiv Learning is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, LockDown Browser or Aktiv Learning?
Aktiv Learning is rated higher. LockDown Browser averages 1.2 out of 5 from 4K ratings, while Aktiv Learning averages 3.2 from 184 ratings.
Do LockDown Browser or Aktiv Learning have ads?
Neither LockDown Browser nor Aktiv Learning shows ads.
Which is updated more often, LockDown Browser or Aktiv Learning?
LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, and Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. Most recently, LockDown Browser was updated on October 12, 2026 and Aktiv Learning on October 14, 2026.

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