MindLabs vs PhET Interactive Simulations
MindLabs
exploremindlabs.comPhET Interactive Simulations
phet.colorado.eduSide by side
| Figure | MindLabs | PhET Interactive Simulations |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Science Learning Software | 7.8 (#14) | 7.9 (#12) |
| Integrations | MindLabs says it is piloting Clever integration at the teacher level; its FAQ lists Google Classroom integration as a question but does not claim an integration. | Educators can create PhET accounts using Clever, which is a supported federated login provider. |
| What it does | MindLabs provides interactive STEM learning tools and lessons designed to spark collaboration and creativity for elementary and middle school students. | PhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. |
Plans
MindLabs
- MindLabs Power Bundle — Classroom Learning Plan$109, paid once
- MindLabs Power Bundle — Homeschool Learning Plan$109, paid once
- MindLabs Power Bundle — School Learning Plan$109, paid once
- CoLabs+ Digital Notebook$179, paid once
In their own words
MindLabs
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.
PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET Interactive Simulations provides interactive science and mathematics simulations for students from preschool through university. Its design emphasizes scientific inquiry, visual mental models, multiple representations, real-world connections, and flexible classroom use; the simulations include virtual experiments and guided lessons. PhET says simulations are evaluated for educational effectiveness through student interviews and classroom observation. All are open source, and they are written in HTML5, with some legacy simulations in Java or Flash. They can run online or be downloaded. Android and iOS apps include HTML5 simulations and translations for offline use and automatically download new HTML5 simulations. A desktop app provides HTML5 and Java simulations and translations for offline use on Windows and macOS. The service is available on the web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks. Android browser-based HTML5 simulations and Linux are not officially supported. The free simulations plan is available to students and teachers. Commercial use requires a license from the University of Colorado Boulder.