Amrita Virtual Lab vs Labster

Amrita Virtual Lab provides browser-based laboratories and learning materials for distance education and experimentation. Learners can use simulations, interactive animations, and remotely triggered experiments, alongside web resources, video lectures, and animated demonstrations. The project says it has built 1,500 experiments, with procedures, lab manuals, quizzes, and other supporting resources; the platform also offers on-the-spot assessment. Subject areas range across computer science, engineering, biotechnology and biomedical engineering, and physical and chemical sciences. Examples include neurophysiology simulations, physics tools such as a DC circuit simulator and virtual optics, and a wireless sensor network lab. Teachers can monitor student progress and adjust instructional material, and the platform includes experiment authoring and LMS integration. Labs are hosted for open access through the project websites. The team offers free online and offline classes for students and faculty at nodal centres. The Free access plan is listed at free under the Nodal Centre Program, with no registration fee for that program. Participating institutions must choose at least three experiments and have at least 300 students using the labs.

Labster provides interactive virtual lab assignments for teaching science concepts and practicing laboratory techniques. Its catalog includes more than 300 simulations across STEM subjects. Learners follow guided scenarios, repeat work at their own pace, and receive immediate feedback. Instructors can use automatic grading, customizable quizzes, and a modular assignment builder. A course mapping tool helps match simulations to a syllabus, and listed LMS integrations include Canvas, Google Classroom, Blackboard, Moodle, Schoology, and D2L Brightspace.

Simulations run in supported browsers on Windows and Mac computers. Some are available on iPads and Chromebooks through the Labster app; smartphones, including iPhones and Android phones, are not supported for playing them. Purchases are available to instructors, faculty, and administrators at educational institutions. A free trial is offered, but there is no free plan. Pricing is on request; institutional or department engagements typically begin at $5,000 a year, billed annually, with final pricing dependent on the solution and implementation requirements.