Comparison

RayLab vs SpectralViewer, spectraView

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

SpectralViewer, spectraView

Utilize your device's camera to capture and analyze spectrum images from a spectrometer. Measure spectral intensity, plot light distribution, and calibrate wavelength scales. Save your spectral data as images.

Highlights
  • Measure spectral intensity with device camera
  • Analyze spectrum images
  • Plot light intensity distribution
  • Calibrate wavelength scales
  • Save spectral plots as images
  • Adjust plot scale
Features
Read full description

By using iPhone or iPad camera, you can measure a spectral intensity of the light by a spectrum image from a spectrometer. Press camera > photo button to shoot a spectrum image dispersed by the spectrometer. If reflected light is observed, please be the in the area of ​​the dark rectangle on the upper side of the camera screen. For iPadOS 13, open the Control Center and then tap the "Lock Orientation" button to avoid rotating the spectrum capture area. Press the graph button to show the light intensity distribution of the spectrum calculated by the camera image. The values ​​of R, G and B are respectively calculated as the average value of the central quarter width of the spectral image. Adjust the intensity of the input light by, for example, narrowing the slit so that each color does not exceed the maximum value 255. The value of R+G+B is also plotted in black. You can change the plot scale of spectral intensity by <> button. By pressing the plot button, sliding the upper spectral image to the left and right, and entering two points with known wavelengths, you can plot the wavelength scale. If the R0 wavelength is set as reflected light (0 nm) and the R1 wavelength is set only for the first time, the wavelength scale is plotted only by setting the R0 wavelength after the second time. You can save the plot with wavelength scale as image. For the data to be stored, a filter was applied so as to smoothly connect the intensity curves of the sensitivity wavelength regions of R, G and B colors. Because it is very dangerous, please never see strong light such as the sun, and please do not put it in the iPhone's camera.

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
SpectralViewer, spectraView4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: RayLab at 4.6 against SpectralViewer, spectraView's 3.8. RayLab also leads on ratings volume (63 vs 4) and review sentiment (75% vs 67%). SpectralViewer, spectraView's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). On price 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. SpectralViewer, spectraView asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

RayLab holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RayLab has 63 ratings behind it against 4, 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 67% of SpectralViewer, spectraView's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, SpectralViewer, spectraView every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
RayLab versus SpectralViewer, spectraView: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabSpectralViewer, spectraView
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings) — better3.8 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings63 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.09.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiJunichi Watanabe

Customer experience

RayLab

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

SpectralViewer, spectraView

All ratings4 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral16.7%
Negative16.7%

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

SpectralViewer, spectraView

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SpectralViewer, spectraView free?
SpectralViewer, spectraView is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RayLab or SpectralViewer, spectraView?
RayLab is rated higher. RayLab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while SpectralViewer, spectraView averages 3.8 from 4 ratings.
Do RayLab or SpectralViewer, spectraView have ads?
RayLab shows ads; SpectralViewer, spectraView does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or SpectralViewer, spectraView?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and SpectralViewer, spectraView every 3 weeks. Most recently, RayLab was updated on October 7, 2026 and SpectralViewer, spectraView on October 12, 2026.

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