SimBio vs WhimsyLabs
SimBio
simbio.comWhimsyLabs
whimsylabs.aiSide by side
| Figure | SimBio | WhimsyLabs |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Lab Software | 7.8 (#12) | 7.8 (#13) |
| Accessibility | SimBio reports that it supports or partially supports applicable WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines and says full accessibility remains challenging for dynamic simulations. | Features include control remapping, text-to-speech, self-paced modes, and low-bandwidth operation for SEND learners. |
| Product | SimBio provides interactive biology teaching content, including virtual labs and interactive chapters, for college courses. | WhimsyLabs is virtual laboratory software for students to conduct science experiments in realistic simulations. |
| Support | SimBio says technical support specialists are available seven days a week for the SimUText system. | The services page says a dedicated support team is available during school hours and onboarding and ongoing professional development are included at no extra cost. |
Plans
SimBio
- Virtual Labs (workbook and tutorial-style)$7.50, paid once
- Interactive Chapters$11.50, paid once
- Unlimited Labs$49, paid once
- SimBio Unlimited (chapters and/or labs)$89, paid once
In their own words
WhimsyLabs
WhimsyLabs is virtual laboratory software where students conduct simulated experiments in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Electronics. Its simulation engine models fluids, heat, and molecular behavior, including impurities and differences between samples. WhimsyCat guides students in response to their lab actions without a student chat window, while assessment evaluates experimental processes and techniques and asks follow-up questions tied to experimental data. Teachers can paste a written lab protocol into the AI Experiment Builder to create a custom lab scenario without programming. The platform includes a teacher dashboard and names Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, and LTI among its integrations. It runs in a browser on desktops, laptops, and Chromebooks, with optional VR headsets; Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows are also listed. Accessibility options include control remapping, text-to-speech, self-paced modes, and low-bandwidth operation. Labs can be cached or downloaded for offline use. Institutional pricing is by request, and a free trial is available, with no duration specified.