RayLab vs Gear Design
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
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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
Gear Design
Design involute gears with a CAD interface, allowing visual assessment through touch gestures. Generate and export STL data for 3D printing and perform tooth bending strength analysis with PDF sharing.
- Involute gear design
- CAD interface
- Touch gesture controls (zoom, rotate)
- STL data generation
- Email export
- Tooth bending strength analysis
- PDF sharing
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Gear Design is great in designing involute gears from scratch. Application includes a CAD interface in front end where users can assess designed gears visually with their finger gestures (zoom, rotate, twist etc.). Users can easily generate STL data of the CAD model and export them via Email (Two step action: first generate data and then export via Email). Tooth bending strength analysis calculator is included with multiple sharing options, including a pdf file.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: RayLab at 75% against Gear Design's 0%. RayLab also leads on price (Free vs $2.99) and rating (4.7 vs 1.5). Gear Design's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown).
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
RayLab is free to download; Gear Design costs $2.99 up front. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Gear Design asks for nothing beyond the download.
RayLab holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RayLab has 67 ratings behind it against 2, 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 0% of Gear Design's.
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, Gear Design every 12 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RayLab | Gear Design |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 4.7 (67 ratings) — better | 1.5 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 67 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 12 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 9.3 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 38 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kamyar Ghandi | DRH YAZILIM VE MUHENDISLIK HIZMETLERI LTD STI |
Customer experience
RayLab
Gear Design
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
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- 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
Gear Design
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is RayLab free?
Is Gear Design free?
Which has better reviews, RayLab or Gear Design?
Do RayLab or Gear Design have ads?
Which is updated more often, RayLab or Gear Design?
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