Comparison

RayLab vs Thorlabs Toolkit

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

Thorlabs Toolkit

Features
Read full description

Get convenient access to photonics calculators, equations, and other information and resources when you download this free app! This application is being continually updated to offer new types of resources, as well as to expand existing categories, so be sure to check for updates. The current version of the app includes a collection of calculators that engineers and technicians at Thorlabs Lens Systems and elsewhere have used on the floor for over 15 years. Each calculator page includes the equations used in the calculations, as well as usage notes and information about assumptions included in the equations. Additional resources include brief summaries of ray tracing, lens theory, Snell’s Law, manufacturing tolerances, and evaluation of system resolution using the modulation transfer function (MTF). History Thorlabs Toolkit builds on the excellent foundation provided by the JML Optical Calculator. When JML Optical joined Thorlabs’ family as Thorlabs Lens Systems, it provided a wonderful opportunity to expand the app to share knowledge collected from across all of Thorlabs.

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
Thorlabs Toolkit4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Thorlabs Toolkit at none against RayLab's 10. Thorlabs Toolkit also leads on ads (none vs shown). RayLab's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). 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. Thorlabs Toolkit asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, Thorlabs Toolkit every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on July 29, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
RayLab versus Thorlabs Toolkit: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabThorlabs Toolkit
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings63 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 4 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiThorlabs, Inc.

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

Thorlabs Toolkit

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Thorlabs Toolkit free?
Thorlabs Toolkit is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RayLab or Thorlabs Toolkit have ads?
RayLab shows ads; Thorlabs Toolkit does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or Thorlabs Toolkit?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and Thorlabs Toolkit every 4 months. Most recently, RayLab was updated on July 29, 2026 and Thorlabs Toolkit on September 8, 2026.

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