Comparison

WebMO Molecule Editor vs ModelAR

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

WebMO Molecule Editor

Create and explore 3D molecular structures, visualize chemical properties, and access extensive chemical databases. This tool is ideal for students and educators needing on-the-go access to molecular information and computational chemistry resources.

Highlights
  • 3D molecular editor
  • Structure optimization
  • Orbital and symmetry visualization
  • Chemical database lookup
  • Spectra visualization
  • High-resolution image capture
  • Computational chemistry program integration
Features
Read full description

WebMO allows users to build and view molecules in 3-D, visualize orbitals and symmetry elements, lookup chemical information and properties from external databases, and access state-of-the-art computational chemistry programs. WebMO is recommended for students and faculty in high school, college, and graduate school who desire mobile access to molecular structures, information, and calculations. WebMO capabilities include: - Build molecules by drawing atoms and bonds in a 3-D molecular editor, or by speaking the name (e.g., “aspirin”) - Optimize structures using VSEPR theory or molecular mechanics - View Huckel molecular orbitals, electron density, and electrostatic potential - View molecular vibrations - View point group and symmetry elements of molecules - Lookup basic molecular information, including IUPAC and common names, stoichiometry, molar mass - Lookup chemical data from PubChem and ChemSpider - Lookup experimental and predicted molecular properties from external databases (NIST, Sigma-Aldrich) - Lookup IR, UV-VIS, NMR, and mass spectra from external databases (NIST, SDBS) - Capture high-resolution molecular images - Save and recall molecular structures locally - Export and import structures via email WebMO is also a front-end to WebMO servers (version 14 and higher): - Supports Gaussian, GAMESS, Molpro, MOPAC, NWChem, ORCA, PQS, PSI, Quantum Espresso, VASP, Q-Chem, and Tinker computational chemistry programs - Submit, monitor, and view calculations - View formatted tabular data extracted from output files, as well as raw output - Visualize geometry, partial charges, dipole moment, normal vibrational modes, molecular orbitals, and NMR/IR/UV-VIS spectra

About

ModelAR

Explore and build 3D chemical structures in real space with augmented reality. This tool transforms complex organic chemistry concepts into an interactive and playful learning experience, offering an immersive alternative to traditional study methods.

Highlights
  • Create and explore 3D organic molecules
  • Augmented reality interaction
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop building
  • Stereochemistry visualization
  • Variety of molecule experimentation
  • Simple and clean design
Features
Read full description

ModelAR by Alchemie is a powerful 3D modeling tool for students looking to practice organic chemistry. You can explore chemical structures by creating a molecule on the workspace and quickly toggle to pop into AR. This Augmented Reality feature allows you to interact with virtual molecules in real space. ModelAR brings chemistry to life. Gestures are simple and intuitive! Simply drag an atom from the side bar onto the main workspace to start building. Drag between atoms to create new chemical bonds. Swipe to rotate molecule and spin bonds quickly. Explore perspectives with our focus tool. Once you’re done, reset your screen in a spectacular explosion! ModelAR is a great way to supplement your organic chemistry learning materials. No other study tool or app provides a truly immersive, 3D method to build and manipulate molecules & chemical structures. • Create & explore organic molecules in real space • Transform tough organic chemistry concepts like stereochemistry into play • A truly interactive way to improve your understanding of chemical structures • Experiment with a wide variety of molecules • Easy toggle into AR from workspace • Simple & clean design • Intuitive controls & gestures • Playful rhythms & sounds Download ModelAR today & make organic chemistry a fun experience! Break up with your plastic model set!

Screenshots

WebMO Molecule Editor4 screens
ModelAR4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: WebMO Molecule Editor at 4.0 against ModelAR's 3.5. WebMO Molecule Editor also leads on ratings volume (40 vs 11). ModelAR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (70% vs 60%). On price, update cadence, ads 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. WebMO Molecule Editor sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. ModelAR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

WebMO Molecule Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40 and 11 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of WebMO Molecule Editor's written reviews are positive against 70% of ModelAR's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

WebMO Molecule Editor ships an update every 3 months, ModelAR every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
WebMO Molecule Editor versus ModelAR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterWebMO Molecule EditorModelAR
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (40 ratings) — better3.5 (11 ratings)
Positive reviews60.4% of reviews70.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings40 — better11
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 6 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size12 MB118 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperWebMO, LLCAlchemie Solutions, Inc

Customer experience

WebMO Molecule Editor

All ratings40 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral5.0%
Negative20.0%
Written reviews53 reviews
Positive60.4%
Neutral9.4%
Negative30.2%

ModelAR

All ratings11 ratings
Positive63.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative36.4%
Written reviews10 reviews
Positive70.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative30.0%

In-app purchases

2 purchases

WebMO Molecule Editor

One-time2
  • WebMO Premium for paid usersFree
  • WebMO Premium$4.99
None

ModelAR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is WebMO Molecule Editor free?
WebMO Molecule Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ModelAR free?
ModelAR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, WebMO Molecule Editor or ModelAR?
WebMO Molecule Editor is rated higher. WebMO Molecule Editor averages 4.0 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while ModelAR averages 3.5 from 11 ratings.
Do WebMO Molecule Editor or ModelAR have ads?
Neither WebMO Molecule Editor nor ModelAR shows ads.
Which is updated more often, WebMO Molecule Editor or ModelAR?
WebMO Molecule Editor ships an update every 3 months, and ModelAR every 6 months. Most recently, WebMO Molecule Editor was updated on September 3, 2026 and ModelAR on June 1, 2026.

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