Comparison

RayLab vs SmartPIV

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

SmartPIV

This application allows users to determine flow velocity in a PIV setup, replacing traditional camera and analysis software. It visually displays current analysis results through velocity vectors for easy understanding of flow development. Designed to be simple, mobile, and convenient, it offers a low-cost and intuitive alternative for hands-on training.

Highlights
  • Determine flow velocity in PIV setups
  • Visualize flow with velocity vectors
  • Replaces traditional camera and analysis software
  • Low-cost and intuitive application
  • Mobile and convenient for hands-on training
Features
Read full description

DETERMINE FLOW VELOCITY SmartPIV enables you to determine flow velocity within a PIV setup (particle imaging velocimetry). The expected experimental setup of the PIV System consists of a flow channel and a laser illuminated current enriched with particles. In this setup, SmartPIV replaces the traditional camera and analysis software. VIVID VISUALIZATION VIA VELOCITY VECTORS Current analysis results are graphically displayed via velocity vectors, allowing for an easy retracing of a current's development. SIMPLE, MOBILE AND CONVENIENT In contrast to conventional PIV systems, SmartPIV is low-cost and more intuitive in its application. ABOUT US We are a team of three students and two professors developing this application for hands-on training in the domain of thermodynamics at universities and beyond. If you have feedback or questions about the app, just write us. PRIVACY POLICY & IMPRESS: https://smartpiv.app/impress/

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
SmartPIV4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SmartPIV at none against RayLab's 10. SmartPIV also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). RayLab's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 7 months) and ratings volume (63 vs 2). 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. SmartPIV asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SmartPIV holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RayLab has 63 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, SmartPIV every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
RayLab versus SmartPIV: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabSmartPIV
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings63 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 7 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB35 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiPatrick Maeder

Customer experience

RayLab

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

SmartPIV

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

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

SmartPIV

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SmartPIV free?
SmartPIV is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RayLab or SmartPIV?
SmartPIV is rated higher. RayLab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while SmartPIV averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.
Do RayLab or SmartPIV have ads?
RayLab shows ads; SmartPIV does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or SmartPIV?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and SmartPIV every 7 months. Most recently, RayLab was updated on October 7, 2026 and SmartPIV on September 17, 2026.

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