Labster vs LabXchange

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.

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.