RayLab vs Optics
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 2D/3D optical modeling
- Geometric ray tracing
- Sequential and non-sequential analysis
- Advanced optical elements
- Polarization ray tracing
- Design optimization
- Glass catalogs
Read full descriptionHide 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
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | RayLab | Optics |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (63 ratings) — better | 3.2 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews — better | 25.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 63 — better | 5 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 7.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 86 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kamyar Ghandi | 继岭 陈 |
Customer experience
RayLab
Optics
In-app purchases
RayLab
- RayLab Pro Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- RayLab Pro UpgradeFree
- Schott Glass Catalog$0.99
- Custom Glass Editor$0.99
Show 6 moreShow fewer
- 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
Optics
- Professional$0.99
Questions
Is RayLab free?
Is Optics free?
Which has better reviews, RayLab or Optics?
Do RayLab or Optics have ads?
Which is updated more often, RayLab or Optics?
Other comparisons















