# Microlab vs Octopus Giggle

The clearest difference is ads: Octopus Giggle at none against Microlab's shown. Octopus Giggle also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Microlab's advantage is ratings volume (45 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Microlab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Octopus Giggle sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Microlab against 5.0 for Octopus Giggle. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Microlab has 45 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Microlab ships an update weekly, Octopus Giggle every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Microlab | Octopus Giggle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (45 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microlab-histology-ai-and-more/id6749279874/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octopus-giggle/id6760236607/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **45** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 211 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MICROLAB EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1829786164) | [Julie Watson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883396423) |

## What reviewers say

### Microlab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microlab-histology-ai-and-more/id6749279874)

Explore histology and embryology with a virtual microscope, 3D models, and AI-powered analysis. Features over 150 slides, interactive quizzes for exam prep, and a dedicated community for medical students and professionals.

**Highlights:** 150+ high-quality histology slides, 85+ interactive 3D models, Virtual microscope experience, AI-powered analysis and Q&A, Interactive quizzes for exam prep, Dedicated community forum

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| monthly_subscription_microlab_fifty | $3.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Monthly Subscription | $7.99 | per month |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $8.99 | per month |
| Annually Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Annually Subscription | $19.99 | per year |
| Annually subscription | $24.99 | per year |
| Annually Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Annually Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Expert Annually Subscription | $149.99 | per year |


### Octopus Giggle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/octopus-giggle/id6760236607)

This app helps preschoolers learn about emotions and family recognition through interactive games using your family's real faces. It offers a safe, ad-free experience with no internet required, allowing children to engage with loved ones' expressions and voices.

**Highlights:** 22 facial expressions for learning, Teaches emotions and face parts, Family recognition games, Record family voices, Share family profiles remotely, Kid's Corner creative space, Child lock for safety

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Unlock | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Microlab free?

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

### Is Octopus Giggle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Microlab or Octopus Giggle?

Octopus Giggle is rated higher. Microlab averages 4.9 out of 5 from 45 ratings, while Octopus Giggle averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Microlab or Octopus Giggle have ads?

Microlab shows ads; Octopus Giggle does not.

### Which is updated more often, Microlab or Octopus Giggle?

Microlab ships an update weekly, and Octopus Giggle every 2 weeks. Most recently, Microlab was updated on October 30, 2026 and Octopus Giggle on October 10, 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.*