Labster vs MindLabs

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.

Its curriculum is described as aligned with NGSS and CCSS, with differentiated prompts, extension challenges, and support strategies. The teacher dashboard includes classroom management, digital notebooks, progress tracking, readiness check-ins, and collaboration insights. The Power Bundle is designed for grades 3–5, with content expanding through grade 8. Listed learning bundles cover homeschool, classroom, and school settings; each costs $109, paid once, with different educator, student, and card-deck capacities. The CoLabs+ Digital Notebook is $179, paid once. MindLabs also lists a free plan and paid access from $39. Notebook, SEL, and collaboration tools work in a browser, while AR requires the mobile app. Students can use AR independently offline, but work in AR or the notebook is not saved offline; saved notebooks and group AR need internet access. Fire tablets are unsupported, and most Chromebooks cannot display AR. The service supports iPhone, Android smartphones, iPad, Android tablets, and web browsers.