Comparison

RayLab vs DoodleConnect

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

DoodleConnect

Monitor your child's educational development across multiple learning applications. Stay informed about their achievements, progress through the curriculum, and receive real-time updates on their learning journey.

Highlights
  • Instant progress notifications
  • View latest achievements
  • Track stars earned
  • Follow curriculum progress
Features
Read full description

Track your child's progress across all four Doodle apps with DoodleConnect! With the help of DoodleConnect, you can get involved with your child's learning journey like never before. ▶ Key features • Receive instant notifications about their progress • View their latest achievements and see how many stars they've earned • Follow their progress through the curriculum DoodleConnect is free for all Doodle users, whether you have a home or school subscription.

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
DoodleConnect4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: DoodleConnect at none against RayLab's 10. DoodleConnect also leads on ads (none vs shown). RayLab's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 56%) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. DoodleConnect asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for RayLab against 4.7 for DoodleConnect. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 63 and 56 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of RayLab's written reviews are positive against 56% of DoodleConnect's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, DoodleConnect every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on July 29, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
RayLab versus DoodleConnect: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabDoodleConnect
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings)4.7 (56 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better56.0% of reviews
Number of ratings63 — better56
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB37 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiDiscovery Education Inc.

Customer experience

RayLab

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

DoodleConnect

All ratings56 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral3.6%
Negative3.6%
Written reviews50 reviews
Positive56.0%
Neutral6.0%
Negative38.0%

Bugs and requests

RayLab

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

DoodleConnect

Reported bugs

33 issues
  • Losing streak
  • No synching between apps on different devices
  • Not synching with Doodle Connect app
  • Latest update ruined the app
  • Can't understand children's results anymore
Show 28 more
  • Lots of annoying little glitches
  • Doesn't work on most devices
  • App keeps switching off
  • Update is not working
  • Can't see message and screen freeze on tapping message icon
  • Can't go back to view another sibling's account
  • Lack accuracy
  • Difficult to collate the information needed
  • App won't work
  • Doesn't really work
  • Can only see one or none of children's progress
  • Says child is on 0 day streak when they are not
  • Too many glitches in system
  • Doesn't record all points when signing in across different devices
  • Parent app no longer works
  • Last version defective
  • Parent dashboard cannot log on
  • Misleading info, doesn't relate to child's DM app
  • Doodle Stars on DM different to parent area and parent app
  • Cannot delete and reinstall because info is stored in the cloud
  • Delay between parent app and DoodleMaths app
  • Today's or yesterday's stars not showing in metrics
  • Missing lots of data
  • No longer works since update
  • Latest version crap, glitchy
  • Have to enter credentials regularly
  • Live View never shows anything
  • App is full of fundamental design flaws

Requested features

35 requests
  • Bring back old version
  • More comprehensive initial test
  • More challenging levels
  • Option to add extra material for all students
  • Better graphing options
Show 30 more
  • See everything that is on the website within the app
  • Add more data feed options
  • Improve user experience
  • Improve design
  • Option to create graphs of all students
  • Option to select metrics for graphing
  • Improve Live View functionality
  • Real-time syncing between apps and devices
  • Fix streak issues
  • Fix synching issues with Doodle Connect
  • Allow multiple accounts under one login
  • Make app more engaging after all questions are done
  • Improve accuracy of reports
  • Simplify setup process
  • Offer combined order discounts
  • Improve customer service responsiveness and helpfulness
  • Fix login issues
  • Improve accuracy of streaks and progress tracking
  • Improve message viewing and replying
  • Allow switching between sibling accounts easily
  • Make app more user-friendly
  • Bring back old app features
  • Make app more interactive
  • Improve data visualization
  • Add dark mode
  • Improve reporting accuracy
  • Fix app freezing issues
  • Improve parent app functionality
  • Make app more intuitive
  • Improve accuracy of Doodle Age

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
None

DoodleConnect

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is DoodleConnect free?
DoodleConnect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RayLab or DoodleConnect?
DoodleConnect is rated higher. RayLab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while DoodleConnect averages 4.7 from 56 ratings.
Do RayLab or DoodleConnect have ads?
RayLab shows ads; DoodleConnect does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or DoodleConnect?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and DoodleConnect every 2 months. Most recently, RayLab was updated on July 29, 2026 and DoodleConnect on September 21, 2026.

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