LockDown Browser vs Labster
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Locks down exam environment
- Prevents switching applications
- Blocks access to other URLs
- Disables screenshots
- Prohibits copying or printing
- Integrates with learning systems
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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.
Labster
Access a library of interactive science simulations for education. This platform offers virtual lab experiences for students and educators. Requires purchased access to use.
- Interactive science education platform
- Virtual lab simulations
- Access to content library
- Designed for educators and students
- Requires purchased access
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Welcome to Labster - the world's leading platform for interactive science education. Through the Labster app, educators and students can access Labster's library of content including our premier virtual lab simulations. You need to have purchased access to Labster to be able to log in to this app. The Labster app is designed to work on iPads - we recommend not using this app on iPhones due to the smaller screen size, which will lead to a less than optimal experience.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Labster at 2.9 against LockDown Browser's 1.2. Labster also leads on review sentiment (27% vs 8%) and device support (3 vs 1). LockDown Browser's advantage is ratings volume (3.9K vs 29). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Labster holds the better App Store score, 2.9 against 1.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: LockDown Browser has 3.9K ratings behind it against 29, 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 27% of Labster's.
LockDown Browser ships an update every 5 weeks, Labster monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | LockDown Browser | Labster |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.2 (3.9K ratings) | 2.9 (29 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 7.8% of reviews | 26.7% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 3.9K — better | 29 |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 14.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 17 MB | 141 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Respondus Inc. | Labster |
Customer experience
LockDown Browser
Labster
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
Labster
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
LockDown Browser
No in-app purchases
Labster
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is LockDown Browser free?
Is Labster free?
Which has better reviews, LockDown Browser or Labster?
Do LockDown Browser or Labster have ads?
Which is updated more often, LockDown Browser or Labster?
Other comparisons
