MolLab vs Materia
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
MolLab
Explore the fundamental building blocks of matter in interactive 3D. Visualize molecules, atoms, and even subatomic particles, build your own compounds, and test your knowledge with quizzes. Features augmented reality and export options for educational use.
- 3D molecule and atom exploration
- Build custom molecules
- Periodic table with 118 elements
- Protein and DNA structure visualization
- Multiscale zoom from quarks to molecules
- Augmented reality mode
- Quiz mode for learning
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MolLab is a hands-on 3D chemistry lab for iPad and Mac. Explore the building blocks of matter — from whole molecules down to atoms, the nucleus, and even quarks — all in interactive 3D you can rotate, zoom, and take apart. WHAT YOU CAN DO • Periodic Table — Browse all 118 elements. Tap any element to see its atom in 3D with electron shells. • Molecule Viewer — Look up molecules by name or formula from a curated 3D library, or search millions of compounds live via PubChem. • Build Mode — Snap atoms together lego-style to create your own molecules. Auto-detect the formula, align with VSEPR geometry, and run a simple energy minimization. • Proteins & DNA — Load real structures from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) as rainbow ribbon models. Zoom in to switch from ribbon to full all-atom detail. • Multiscale Zoom — Keep zooming: molecule → atom → nucleus → quarks. See the standard model of particles come to life. • Atom Models — Switch between the simple Bohr model and probability orbital clouds (s, p, d subshells). • Quiz Mode — Test yourself: identify molecules from their 3D shape. • Measure & Export — Measure bond lengths and angles. Export your work as PNG, GIF, MP4, or structure files (XYZ, MOL, PDB). • AR (iPhone & iPad) — Place molecules in your room in augmented reality. DESIGNED FOR LEARNING MolLab is built for students, teachers, and the curious — not for research. Clean, simple, and fully native on iPad and Mac. Available in English and Korean. Free to use. Data sources: PubChem (NIH) and the RCSB Protein Data Bank.
Materia
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Materia brings the periodic table to life. Explore all 118 elements through a beautifully designed, interactive experience built for iPhone. Move beyond a traditional chart and discover the relationships, properties, and structure of the elements through multiple ways of exploring them. EXPLORE EVERY ELEMENT Browse the complete periodic table with accurate atomic numbers, symbols, categories, groups, periods, atomic masses, and carefully presented element information. THREE WAYS TO EXPLORE • Grid — Browse elements in a clean, visual collection. • Table — Explore the familiar periodic structure in a modern, interactive layout. • Orbit — Experience elements through an immersive spatial visualization with focus, relationships, and motion. DISCOVER CONNECTIONS Explore metals, nonmetals, noble gases, elements important to life, and meaningful compositions. Select an element to bring it into focus and discover related elements around it. DESIGNED TO FEEL ALIVE Materia uses subtle motion, depth, haptics, and responsive interactions to turn scientific information into something you can explore rather than simply read. MATERIA PRO Materia includes a useful free experience with the complete element library and core exploration tools. Materia Pro is an optional one-time purchase that unlocks the premium Orbit experience and advanced interactive visualizations. No ads. No subscription required for Materia Pro.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MolLab at none against Materia's 1. MolLab also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.4). On price, ads 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. Materia sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MolLab asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | MolLab | Materia |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (1 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 1 — better | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 26.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 1 MB | 5 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | NAE KEUN LEE | Vincent Galeano |
In-app purchases
MolLab
No in-app purchases
Materia
- Materia Pro$4.99
Questions
Is MolLab free?
Is Materia free?
Do MolLab or Materia have ads?
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