Comparison

RayLab vs Laser Lab

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

Laser Lab

Features
Read full description

LASER LAB: AN INTERACTIVE INTRODUCTION TO OPTICS Laser Lab is an educational application designed to provide an interactive and engaging introduction to the science of lasers and optics. Through a series of structured challenges, users explore fundamental and advanced concepts in a hands-on virtual laboratory environment. A COMPREHENSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE Laser Lab offers 160+ carefully designed activities that introduce key principles of light behavior and optical systems. Users can freely move, rotate, and interact with various optical elements to simulate laboratory experiments. This interactive approach helps build an intuitive understanding of complex physical principles, supporting learning from high school to university levels. TOPICS COVERED Laser Lab introduces a wide range of optical phenomena through its interactive challenges: • Focusing • Telescopes • Color • Wavelength • Polarization • Optical Path • Coherence • Elliptical Polarization • Interference • Diffraction • Delay Lines • Second Harmonic Generation • Nonlinear Optics HANDS-ON INTERACTION WITH OPTICAL COMPONENTS Users engage directly with realistic virtual components, including lasers, mirrors, lenses, filters, polarizers, wave plates, nonlinear crystals, cameras, spectrometers and oscilloscopes. Through manipulation and experimentation, users learn how these components influence the properties of light. DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND ENTHUSIASTS Laser Lab is suitable for a wide range of users, including secondary school students beginning their study of optics, university students deepening their understanding, and lifelong learners interested in exploring physics. The progressive structure allows users to develop problem-solving skills and scientific reasoning at their own pace. EDUCATIONAL APPROACH Rather than presenting information passively, Laser Lab encourages active engagement through experimentation and problem solving. This method bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering deeper comprehension of fundamental and advanced topics in optics. A VIRTUAL LABORATORY EXPERIENCE Laser Lab provides an accessible and comprehensive platform for learning about light and optics. Whether used independently or as a supplement to formal education, it offers a rewarding and enriching experience that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the science of light.

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
Laser Lab4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Laser Lab at none against RayLab's 10. Laser Lab also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 6 weeks). RayLab's advantage is 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. Laser Lab asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, Laser Lab every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
RayLab versus Laser Lab: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabLaser Lab
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings63 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 days — better
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 MB344 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiMate Kurucz

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

Laser Lab

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Laser Lab free?
Laser Lab is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do RayLab or Laser Lab have ads?
RayLab shows ads; Laser Lab does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or Laser Lab?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and Laser Lab every 3 days. Most recently, RayLab was updated on October 7, 2026 and Laser Lab on September 29, 2026.

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