Comparison

MolLab vs Materia

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

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • 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
Read full description

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.

About

Materia

Features
Read full description

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

MolLab4 screens
Materia4 screens

Verdict

The call

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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Materia sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MolLab asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences · 6 level
MolLab versus Materia: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMolLabMateria
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better26.4
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNAE KEUN LEEVincent Galeano

In-app purchases

None

MolLab

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Materia

One-time1
  • Materia Pro$4.99

Questions

Is MolLab free?
MolLab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Materia free?
Materia is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MolLab or Materia have ads?
Neither MolLab nor Materia shows ads.

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