Beyond Labz vs LabXchange

Beyond Labz provides virtual science lab simulations for open-ended and guided activities in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology and physics. Its pricing page lists more than 650 lab activities aligned with textbooks. Students can make decisions, observe results and repeat experiments in a risk-free setting; auto-graded assessments provide immediate feedback. Lab Cam records and timestamps each student step to give instructors a procedure log. Lab procedures integrate with LTI 1.0, 1.1 and 1.3 compliant learning management systems, including Canvas, Blackboard and Moodle, so students can receive, complete and submit assignments within their LMS. The instructor plan is free for teaching, previewing and building assignments. Chemistry, Physics and Biology each cost $31.95 as a one-time purchase for 20-week access; All Subjects costs $41.95, paid once for one-year access. Web labs support desktop systems and tablets, but not smartphones. Downloaded desktop versions require macOS Yosemite or later or 64-bit Windows 8 or later, 4 GB RAM and 3 GB free disk space.

LabXchange is a free digital science education platform created at Harvard University with support from the Amgen Foundation. Learners and educators can assemble videos, assessments, and simulations into personalized learning journeys. Its resource library includes simulations, interactive materials, worksheets, lesson plans, and educator resources. Virtual labs provide environments for working through experiments, and some simulations add a notebook containing background information. Educators can create private classes, share content, and track learner progress. Public material can be distributed through Google Classroom, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or a direct link. LabXchange says it is ad-free, does not sell student data or use it commercially, stores student data on U.S. servers, and follows the NIST Cybersecurity Framework for security practices. Users may register directly or through Google or Facebook sign-on. The service supports Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, major browsers, and mobile browsers, and is intended for organizations and people aged 13 or older.