Comparison

CmapTools vs Labster

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

Head to head
About

CmapTools

Create and share concept maps and knowledge models directly on your iPad. Easily build complex diagrams with drag-and-drop functionality and a full style palette. Synchronize your work with the Cmap Cloud for seamless access across devices.

Highlights
  • Concept map construction
  • Knowledge model building
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Full style palette
  • Cmap Cloud synchronization
  • Cross-device access
Features
Read full description

CmapTools for iPad is the perfect tool to rapidly construct concept maps and knowledge models on your iPad and share them on the Cmap Cloud. Following the same simple user interface for concept construction as CmapTools, CmapTools for iPad enables the full construction of Knowledge Models, with drag-and-drop capabilities of resource and Cmaps, full style palette, combined with the direct manipulation of the iPad. Through the synchronization feature, Cmaps on your iPad are automatically synchronized with your account on the Cmap Cloud, which can be accessed easily from CmapTools. Automatically move Cmaps between your iPad and CmapTools. Expand your use of the CmapTools suite and take advantage of the integration of the programs to graphically express your understanding and ideas on all domains of knowledge. CmapTools for iPad is ideal for students and teachers, for Cmapping while traveling, for brainstorming during meetings and notetaking. CmapTools for iPad can be downloaded for free from the iTunes Store, and requires an iPad with iOS 7 or above. The synchronization with the Cmap Cloud and export and import features are an In-App purchase. Synchronization requires an Internet connection.

About

Labster

Access a library of interactive science simulations for education. This platform offers virtual lab experiences for students and educators. Requires purchased access to use.

Highlights
  • Interactive science education platform
  • Virtual lab simulations
  • Access to content library
  • Designed for educators and students
  • Requires purchased access
Features
Read full description

Welcome to Labster - the world's leading platform for interactive science education. Through the Labster app, educators and students can access Labster's library of content including our premier virtual lab simulations. You need to have purchased access to Labster to be able to log in to this app. The Labster app is designed to work on iPads - we recommend not using this app on iPhones due to the smaller screen size, which will lead to a less than optimal experience.

Screenshots

Labster4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Labster at none against CmapTools's 1. Labster also leads on device support (3 vs 1). CmapTools's advantage is review sentiment (36% vs 25%) and iOS requirement (7.0 vs 14.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. CmapTools sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Labster asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

CmapTools holds the better App Store score, 2.8 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 34 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 36% of CmapTools's written reviews are positive against 25% of Labster's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
CmapTools versus Labster: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCmapToolsLabster
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.8 (16 ratings) — better2.6 (34 ratings)
Positive reviews35.6% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings1634 — better
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS7.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB141 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperFlorida Institute for Human & Machine CognitionLabster

Customer experience

CmapTools

All ratings16 ratings
Positive43.8%
Neutral6.3%
Negative50.0%
Written reviews87 reviews
Positive35.6%
Neutral12.6%
Negative51.7%

Labster

All ratings29 ratings
Positive41.4%
Neutral3.4%
Negative55.2%
Written reviews16 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

CmapTools

One-time1
  • Enable Sync to Cmap Cloud and Sharing Options$4.99
None

Labster

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CmapTools free?
CmapTools is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Labster free?
Labster is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, CmapTools or Labster?
CmapTools is rated higher. CmapTools averages 2.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Labster averages 2.6 from 34 ratings.
Do CmapTools or Labster have ads?
Neither CmapTools nor Labster shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CmapTools or Labster?
CmapTools ships an update monthly, and Labster monthly. Most recently, CmapTools was updated on October 29, 2026 and Labster on October 24, 2026.

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