# RayLab vs SmartPIV

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.

Both are free to download. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. SmartPIV asks for nothing beyond the download.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | RayLab | SmartPIV |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/raylab/id710190065/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartpiv/id1471308387/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **63** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 39 MB | 35 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kamyar Ghandi](https://appshunter.io/developer/710190068) | [Patrick Maeder](https://appshunter.io/developer/1122594621) |

## 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 |


### SmartPIV

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartpiv/id1471308387)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


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