Cell World vs PhET Simulations
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Cell World
Explore the intricate world of a cell in an interactive, game-like experience. Navigate through the cytoplasm and discover the functions of various cell parts like the nucleus and mitochondria. This app offers an immersive journey into the microscopic elements that power the human body.
- Interactive cell exploration
- Navigate cell parts
- Discover organelle functions
- Immersive microcosm experience
- Educational gameplay
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Enter the mysterious world of the cell. Travel through translucent blue cytoplasm and feel the hypnotic movement of the cell membrane. Discover the details of each cell part by navigating in game-like fashion to the Nucleus, Mitochondria, Ribosomes and more. Become immersed the in this amazing microcosm of nature and click to explore how this stunning and miraculous element powers the entire body.
PhET Simulations
Explore science and math concepts through interactive simulations. This app provides over 75 HTML5 simulations for learning about atoms, energy, multiplication, and more. It's ideal for students, parents, and educators, offering offline access and multiple language support.
- Interactive science and math simulations
- Offline play capability
- Multiple language support
- Customizable favorites collection
- Automatic simulation updates
- Easy simulation sorting
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Engage in learning science and math with the award-winning PhET simulations! Whether understanding atoms, exploring energy, or mastering multiplication, there is a sim for every learner. Perfect for at home, in class, or on the road, this app delivers all PhET HTML5 sims (over 75 sims) in one easy-to-use package. Developed by experts at the University of Colorado Boulder, PhET sims are used by millions of students every year. The PhET iPad app delivers these exclusive features: • Offline play: learn on the bus or at the park without a WiFi connection. • Multiple languages: app translate in many languages (great for bilingual learners). • Favorites: pick your favorite sims and create your own custom collection. • Automatic updates: get the latest HTML5 sims as soon as they are released. • Easy sorting: find the right sims for you. • Fullscreen: maximize your screen real estate for optimal sim exploration. PARENTS: Engage your child in science and math discovery. TEACHERS: Your favorite HTML5 sims at your fingertips, even without internet access. ADMINISTRATORS: Optimized for school use, so your teachers will be seamlessly up to date. STUDENTS: Tell your parents there’s an exciting app for learning science and math. Note: The app does not include PhET’s Java or Flash sims. In addition, although we are currently working on improving the accessibility of our sims, most of the sims included in this app do not include keyboard navigation or screen reader access. As accessible sims become available, they will be updated within the app. Proceeds from the app support the development of more HTML5 sims. On behalf of the PhET team and the students whose lives you have helped improve — Thank you!
Screenshots
Verdict
Cell World and PhET Simulations both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 94% of Cell World's written reviews are positive against 66% of PhET Simulations's. Cell World also leads on iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.0). PhET Simulations's advantage is chart position (#79 vs unranked) and ratings volume (49 vs 9). On price, rating, update cadence and ads 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
Cell World costs $0.99 and PhET Simulations $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Cell World against 4.5 for PhET Simulations. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PhET Simulations has 49 ratings behind it against 9, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 94% of Cell World's written reviews are positive against 66% of PhET Simulations's.
Cell World ships an update every 18 months, PhET Simulations every 14 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Cell World | PhET Simulations |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | $0.99 |
| Rating | 4.6 (9 ratings) — better | 4.5 (49 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 94.1% of reviews — better | 65.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 9 | 49 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | Every 14 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | #79 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 6.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 84 MB | 125 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Virtual Immersive Educational Worlds, Inc. | University of Colorado Boulder |
Customer experience
Cell World
PhET Simulations
In-app purchases
Cell World
No in-app purchases
PhET Simulations
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Cell World free?
Is PhET Simulations free?
Which has better reviews, Cell World or PhET Simulations?
Do Cell World or PhET Simulations have ads?
Which is updated more often, Cell World or PhET Simulations?
Other comparisons
