Comparison

ChemLab vs ChemPlay

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

Head to head
About

ChemLab

Features
Read full description

Welcome to ChemLab, the ultimate pocket-sized virtual laboratory! Whether you're a science enthusiast, a student, or just someone who loves explosive puzzle games, ChemLab gives you the freedom to experiment with chemical reactions safely right from your device. The Ultimate Science Experiment App. Developed by ShekTech, ChemLab combines accurate physics, satisfying drag-and-drop mechanics, and realistic visual and audio effects to bring the magic of chemistry to life. EXPLORE 20 ENGAGING LEVELS Test your knowledge and problem-solving skills across 20 unique challenges. From basic thermodynamics to complex redox reactions, oxidation, and neutralization! Mix the right ingredients, apply heat, and manage the clock to achieve your scientific objectives. INFINITE SANDBOX MODE Unlock the Sandbox Mode and let your imagination run wild! Access all the chemicals, metals, and liquids in the game. Mix whatever you want just to see what happens. Will it change color, bubble, or trigger a violent reaction? The choice is yours. TIME CONTROL MECHANICS Chemistry takes time, but not in ChemLab! Use the interactive Time Controller to speed up long reactions. Fast-forward hours of rusting or dehydration into just a few seconds. REALISTIC SENSORY EXPERIENCE Enjoy highly polished haptic feedback and dynamic audio effects—from the pouring of liquids to the hissing of boiling water, the bubbling of gas, and the shattering of overheated flasks. FEATURES: • 20 challenging and educational puzzle levels. • Free-play Sandbox Mode with dozens of unlockable elements. • Realistic chemical reactions, color changes, and thermodynamics. • Built-in recipe book and hints to help you when you're stuck. • Clean, distraction-free interface. Download ChemLab today and start mixing! (Note: ChemLab is a simulation designed for entertainment and educational conceptualization. Always practice actual chemistry safely in a supervised physical environment). Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

ChemPlay

Build a chemistry empire by extracting elements, crafting molecules, and managing a dynamic market. Hire famous scientists and automate your factories for offline progress. Enjoy fun minigames like titration and bubble shooters.

Highlights
  • Extract and manage chemical resources
  • Craft complex molecules
  • Dynamic market economy simulation
  • Hire legendary scientists
  • Automation and offline progress
  • Titration minigame
  • Reaction Arena bubble shooter
Features
Read full description

Welcome to ChemPlay - the ultimate chemistry game collection! Have you ever dreamed of running your own advanced science laboratory and building a billion-dollar empire? ChemPlay combines the addictive gameplay of an idle tycoon with the fascinating world of chemistry across 3 distinct game modes. KEY FEATURES: * EXTRACT & MANAGE RESOURCES Build and upgrade extractors to gather raw chemical elements like Hydrogen, Oxygen, Carbon, and more. * CRAFT COMPLEX MOLECULES Use your raw materials to synthesize real-world compounds. Combine H2 and O2 to make Water, or go further to create complex industrial chemicals! * MARKET ECONOMY Sell your crafted molecules in a dynamic market. Watch out for market crashes and capitalize on high-demand periods to maximize your profits. * HIRE LEGENDARY SCIENTISTS Recruit famous chemists like Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Dmitri Mendeleev to manage your factories and provide massive production boosts. * AUTOMATION & OFFLINE PROGRESS Set up Auto-Crafters and Auto-Sellers to run your empire while you are away. Your factories will continue working up to 12 hours offline! * TITRATION CHALLENGE (MINIGAME) Take a break from management and jump into the lab! Test your reflexes and precision in the arcade-style Titration Minigame. Stop the chemical drop at the exact right moment to score high and earn bonus rewards! * REACTION ARENA (BUBBLE SHOOTER) Ready for some explosive action? Enter the Reaction Arena, a thrilling bubble-shooter minigame where you shoot and match chemical elements to trigger massive chain reactions and clear the board! Download ChemPlay today, discover the secrets of chemistry, and become the most successful science tycoon in the world! Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

ChemLab4 screens
ChemPlay4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ChemPlay at every 2 days against ChemLab's weekly. 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. ChemLab sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ChemPlay sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ChemLab ships an update weekly, ChemPlay every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
ChemLab versus ChemPlay: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChemLabChemPlay
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.3 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 2 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details — not scored
Size110 MB95 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperAbhishek ChauhanPham Dai

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ChemLab

One-time1
  • ChemLab Pro Lifetime$9.99
7 purchases

ChemPlay

One-time7
  • Starter Pack$0.99
  • Alchemist Bundle$1.99
  • Handful of Gold$2.99
Show 4 more
  • Bag of Gold$3.99
  • Super Cosmic Bundle$4.99
  • Chest of Gold$5.99
  • ChemPlay Pro Lifetime$7.99

Questions

Is ChemLab free?
ChemLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ChemPlay free?
ChemPlay is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ChemLab or ChemPlay have ads?
Both ChemLab and ChemPlay show ads.
Which is updated more often, ChemLab or ChemPlay?
ChemLab ships an update weekly, and ChemPlay every 2 days. Most recently, ChemLab was updated on October 28, 2026 and ChemPlay on October 31, 2026.

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