Comparison

StochasticGrain vs theLAB

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

Head to head
About

StochasticGrain

Features
Read full description

Unlike simple noise overlays, this app uses a physics-based approach where grain density responds to image brightness, just like analog film. Shadows show more grain, highlights stay cleaner. The result feels organic rather than digital. Built on academic research by Newson, Delon, and Galerne (2017) modeling stochastic film grain through Boolean models, with real-time optimizations informed by Zhang et al.'s 2023 SIGGRAPH work. These papers describe how actual silver halide crystals distribute in photographic emulsion. Exposure-dependent grain that responds to image luminance Real-time preview as you adjust Designed for film photography enthusiasts A passion project for anyone who appreciates the texture of analog photography.

About

theLAB

Create film-inspired photos with advanced controls for color, texture, and scan effects. Apply realistic grain, borders, and light leaks to achieve a unique aesthetic. Save custom editing styles for consistent results.

Highlights
  • Film-inspired color and monochrome looks
  • Scanned grain and cinema-style grain
  • Lab scan profiles and correction
  • Halation, borders, textures, light leaks
  • Customizable editing styles
  • Camera capture and import tools
Features
Read full description

theLAB is a film-inspired photo editor for building finished images with color, texture, and scan character. Import an image, then shape it with film looks, scanned grain, lab-style color, halation, borders, paper textures, light leaks, artifacts, and crop tools. Designed for photographers who want more than a simple filter, theLAB gives you hands-on control over the feel of the image: density, warmth, tone bias, grain range, scan character, border placement, and finishing details. Features include: - Film-inspired color and monochrome looks - Scanned grain and cinema-style grain options - Lab scan profiles and scan correction controls - Halation, scanner noise, borders, textures, light leaks, and artifacts - Camera capture, photo import, file import, and share tools - Saved looks for building a repeatable editing style theLAB includes a free editing mode. theLAB Pro unlocks the full film stock library, advanced lab controls, additional grain scans, premium finishing assets, and high-quality export options. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://calebsalvadori.com/thelab

Screenshots

StochasticGrain4 screens
theLAB4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: theLAB at every 2 days against StochasticGrain's every 7 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. StochasticGrain sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and theLAB sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StochasticGrain ships an update every 7 months, theLAB every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
StochasticGrain versus theLAB: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStochasticGraintheLAB
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (13 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—13 — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Freemium
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size2 MB298 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIslam SeisembayCaleb Salvadori

In-app purchases

2 purchases

StochasticGrain

One-time2
  • Small Coffee$0.99
  • Large Coffee$2.99
2 purchases

theLAB

Subscriptions1
  • theLAB Pro Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
One-time1
  • theLAB Pro Lifetime$49.99

Questions

Is StochasticGrain free?
StochasticGrain is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is theLAB free?
theLAB is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do StochasticGrain or theLAB have ads?
Neither StochasticGrain nor theLAB shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StochasticGrain or theLAB?
StochasticGrain ships an update every 7 months, and theLAB every 2 days. Most recently, StochasticGrain was updated on October 1, 2026 and theLAB on October 24, 2026.

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