StochasticGrain vs theLAB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
StochasticGrain
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
| Parameter | StochasticGrain | theLAB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (13 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 13 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad — better |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 298 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Islam Seisembay | Caleb Salvadori |
In-app purchases
StochasticGrain
- Small Coffee$0.99
- Large Coffee$2.99
theLAB
- theLAB Pro Monthly3 Days trial$9.991 Month
- theLAB Pro Lifetime$49.99









