Comparison

RayLab vs Optics

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

Head to head
About

RayLab

Design and simulate optical systems with this powerful tool. Explore 2D and 3D models, perform advanced ray tracing, and analyze optical performance. Ideal for learning or professional design.

Highlights
  • 2D/3D optical modeling
  • Geometric ray tracing
  • Sequential and non-sequential analysis
  • Advanced optical elements
  • Polarization ray tracing
  • Design optimization
  • Glass catalogs
Features
Read full description

RayLab is an application for design and simulation of optics. It can be used either as a learning tool or for the design of real optical systems. Basic version includes: • Ability to model 2D lenses and mirrors • Full control over placement and shape of optical components • Full control over aspheric surface shape parameters • Full geometric ray tracing • Sequential and Non Sequential analysis • Front Focal Length, Back Focal Length, Principle Surface calculations • Sample Models Upgrade to RayLab Pro enables: • 3D Modeling • Advanced Optical Elements such as Lens Arrays, Diffraction Gratings, Prisms, Fresnel Lenses, etc. • Polarization Ray Tracing * Ray Splitting / Beam Splitter modeling • Multi-Configuration Manager and animation functionality • Ability to perform optimizations of design parameters • Ray Transfer Matrix calculation • Various commercial glass catalogs • Zemax Importer • Multiple Analysis Windows: -- Fan Ray Diagram. -- Wavefront Error Plot. -- Grid Distortion Plot. -- Spot Diagram. -- Chromatic Aberration. -- Gaussian Spot Size. -- Polarization Analyzer. Upgrade is available with in-app purchases of various modules OR as a full featured subscription. • The subscription offers a 7 day free trial period. Subscription begins immediately but payment will only be charged to iTunes Account at the end of the trial period. • Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. • The account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the same monthly price as the original subscription. • You may manage your subscriptions and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. • Any unused portion of a free trial period will be forfeited if the subscription is cancelled. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: https://www.raymak.com/wp/privacy-policy

About

Optics

This app allows users to simulate various optical phenomena, including light sources, reflection, and refraction. It supports ideal lenses and mirrors, and includes tools for angular measurement. It's designed for educational purposes, helping users visualize and understand optics concepts.

Highlights
  • Simulate beam and point light sources
  • Simulate reflection in plane or arc mirrors
  • Simulate refraction in plane or arc interfaces
  • Simulate ideal lens/mirror equations
  • Angular measurement tool
Features
Read full description

Optics simulation ▶Simulate various light sources:beam, and point source ▶Simulate reflection in plane or arc mirror ▶Simulate refraction in plane or arc interfaces, including both refracted and reflected rays ▶Simulate ideal lens/mirror, which obeys lens/mirror equation ▶Angular measurement

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
Optics4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: RayLab at 75% against Optics's 25%. RayLab also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.2) and ratings volume (63 vs 5). Optics's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, 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. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Optics sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RayLab holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RayLab has 63 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of RayLab's written reviews are positive against 25% of Optics's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, Optics every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
RayLab versus Optics: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabOptics
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings) — better3.2 (5 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings63 — better5
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.07.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB86 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar Ghandi继岭 陈

Customer experience

RayLab

All ratings63 ratings
Positive92.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative7.9%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral5.6%
Negative19.4%

Optics

All ratings5 ratings
Positive40.0%
Neutral40.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral37.5%
Negative37.5%

In-app purchases

10 purchases

RayLab

Subscriptions1
  • RayLab Pro Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
One-time9
  • RayLab Pro UpgradeFree
  • Schott Glass Catalog$0.99
  • Custom Glass Editor$0.99
Show 6 more
  • Advanced Optical Elements$1.99
  • Source and Lens Arrays$1.99
  • Solver/Optimizer Module$3.99
  • 3D Modeling$4.99
  • RayLab Pro 2$19.99
  • RayLab Pro Bundle$19.99
1 purchases

Optics

One-time1
  • Professional$0.99

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Optics free?
Optics is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, RayLab or Optics?
RayLab is rated higher. RayLab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while Optics averages 3.2 from 5 ratings.
Do RayLab or Optics have ads?
RayLab shows ads; Optics does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or Optics?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and Optics every 3 months. Most recently, RayLab was updated on October 7, 2026 and Optics on October 4, 2026.

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