# RayLab vs Optics

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | RayLab | Optics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raylab/id710190065/reviews)** | [3.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optics/id1025745150/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **63** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 25.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 39 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | **7.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kamyar Ghandi](https://appshunter.io/developer/710190068) | [继岭 陈](https://appshunter.io/developer/954198643) |

## What reviewers say

### RayLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raylab/id710190065)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RayLab Pro Subscription | $3.99 | per month |
| RayLab Pro Upgrade | Free | one-time |
| Schott Glass Catalog | $0.99 | one-time |
| Custom Glass Editor | $0.99 | one-time |
| Advanced Optical Elements | $1.99 | one-time |
| Source and Lens Arrays | $1.99 | one-time |
| Solver/Optimizer Module | $3.99 | one-time |
| 3D Modeling | $4.99 | one-time |
| RayLab Pro 2 | $19.99 | one-time |
| RayLab Pro Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |


### Optics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optics/id1025745150)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Professional | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*