Comparison

RayLab vs Gradiently

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

Gradiently

Design unique gradient wallpapers with customizable colors and blends. Save or set them instantly to personalize your device. Explore color theory and create beautiful palettes.

Highlights
  • Generate unique gradients
  • Customize colors and blend
  • Save or set wallpapers instantly
  • Create custom color palettes
  • Learn color theory basics
  • Works on iPhone and iPad
Features
Read full description

Gradiently – Beautiful Gradient Wallpapers Create stunning, one-of-a-kind gradient wallpapers in seconds. Choose your colors, adjust the blend, and watch your screen come to life. Whether you love soft pastels, bold neons, or subtle fades, Gradiently makes it easy to design wallpapers that match your mood and style. Features: • Generate endless unique gradients • Customize colors, direction, and intensity • Save or set wallpapers instantly • Works perfectly for iPhone and iPad Simple. Elegant. Infinitely colorful. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Colormix is a clean, powerful, and intuitive tool for anyone who loves working with color. Build beautiful gradients, discover inspiring palettes, and learn how different color spaces interact—all in one simple app. - Create stunning gradients with unlimited colors - Generate fresh palettes with the smart random color generator (only nice colors!) - Share an image of your gradient instantly - Everything saves automatically so you can pick up right where you left off! Colormix isn’t just fun—it’s educational. Adjust Hue, Saturation, or Brightness sliders and see how Red, Green, and Blue values shift in real time. Watch hex codes form before your eyes.  Whether you’re a designer, developer, or just someone who loves color, Colormix helps you create beautiful palettes and understand the science behind them.

Screenshots

RayLab4 screens
Gradiently4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gradiently at none against RayLab's 10. Gradiently also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.6). RayLab's advantage is review sentiment (75% vs 50%) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 5 months). 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. Gradiently asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Gradiently 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 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of RayLab's written reviews are positive against 50% of Gradiently's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, Gradiently every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
RayLab versus Gradiently: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRayLabGradiently
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (63 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings63 — better3
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeks — betterEvery 5 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS11.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size39 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKamyar GhandiChristian Hatch

Customer experience

RayLab

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

Gradiently

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

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

Gradiently

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is RayLab free?
RayLab is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Gradiently free?
Gradiently is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, RayLab or Gradiently?
Gradiently is rated higher. RayLab averages 4.6 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while Gradiently averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.
Do RayLab or Gradiently have ads?
RayLab shows ads; Gradiently does not.
Which is updated more often, RayLab or Gradiently?
RayLab ships an update every 6 weeks, and Gradiently every 5 months. Most recently, RayLab was updated on October 7, 2026 and Gradiently on October 1, 2026.

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