RayLab vs ONELAB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 2D/3D optical modeling
- Geometric ray tracing
- Sequential and non-sequential analysis
- Advanced optical elements
- Polarization ray tracing
- Design optimization
- Glass catalogs
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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
ONELAB
This application provides a finite element package for simulating multi-physics problems. It integrates with open-source tools for mesh generation and solving, offering ready-to-use examples for electromagnetics, thermics, and mechanics.
- Finite element package
- Multi-physic problem simulation
- Electromagnetics, thermics, mechanics
- Integrates with Gmsh and GetDP
- Ready-to-use examples
- Add new models via zip archives
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ONELAB (http://onelab.info) is a finite element package based on the open source mesh generator Gmsh (http://gmsh.info) and the solver GetDP (http://getdp.info). It can be used to simulate a wide variety of multi-physic problems: electromagnetics, thermics, mechanics... ONELAB comes packaged with a selection of ready-to-use examples. New models can be added simply by opening the corresponding zip archive (in Safari, iCloud, Dropbox, etc.).
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ONELAB at none against RayLab's 10. ONELAB also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). RayLab's advantage is ratings volume (63 vs 1). On price, update cadence 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
Both are free to download. RayLab sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. ONELAB asks for nothing beyond the download.
ONELAB 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 1, 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 100% of ONELAB's.
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, ONELAB every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RayLab | ONELAB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (63 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 75.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 63 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 39 MB | 95 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Kamyar Ghandi | Christophe Geuzaine |
Customer experience
RayLab
ONELAB
In-app purchases
RayLab
- RayLab Pro Subscription7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- RayLab Pro UpgradeFree
- Schott Glass Catalog$0.99
- Custom Glass Editor$0.99
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- 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
ONELAB
No in-app purchases









