Best Science Learning Software in 2026
Updated
In short: Beyond Labz is ranked #1 of 25 as of 4 October 2026, ahead of PhET Interactive Simulations and ExploreLearning Gizmos. The best-ranked option with a free plan is PhET Interactive Simulations. The lowest first paid tier on this page is Pivot Interactives at $0.51/mo.
From lessons to virtual experiments, science learning software can support different kinds of classroom and independent study. The entries are ordered in a ranked best-of list; compare their science scope, guided lessons, assessment tools, interactive simulations, and virtual experiments to see what activities they offer. Included learners and supported platforms help frame access, while free plans and paid-from pricing add practical considerations. Inq-ITS and PhET Interactive Simulations appear among the first entries, along with Beyond Labz and CK-12 FlexBook 2.0. Consider which topics, learning activities, and access arrangements matter for your setting as you review the listed features.
25 science learning software ranked on what their makers publish — plans and prices, free tiers, platforms and the facts on their own pages.
7 of the 25 here have a free tier you can use, 0 have open-source code on record, and 0 have full bars: free, open, on most of your devices and documented.
| # | App | Signal | Free tier | Open code | Devices | From | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beyond LabzWeb · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 2 | PhET Interactive SimulationsWeb · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.7 | |
| 3 | ExploreLearning GizmosWeb · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 5 of 6 | Free | 6.6 | |
| 4 | PraxiLabsWeb · Android · iPhone | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | $3.75/mo | 6.6 | |
| 5 | LabXchangeWeb · Windows · Mac | Three bars | — | 3 of 6 | Free | 6.5 | |
| 6 | Concord Consortium STEM Learning ToolsWeb · API | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | Free | 6.4 | |
| 7 | Legends of LearningWeb | Two bars | — | 1 of 6 | $65.83/mo | 6.4 | |
| 8 | Inq-ITSWeb · Windows · Mac · Android · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 5 of 6 | — | 5.7 |
| 9 | MEL ScienceWeb · Android · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | $44.90/mo | 5.6 |
| 10 | MindLabsWeb · Android · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.6 |
| 11 | mozaik3DWeb · Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iPhone | One bar | — | — | 6 of 6 | — | 5.6 |
| 12 | Tappity ScienceWeb · Android · iPhone | One bar | — | — | 3 of 6 | — | 5.4 |
| 13 | Pivot InteractivesWeb · Windows · Mac · iPhone | Two bars | — | — | 4 of 6 | $0.51/mo | 5.3 |
| 14 | CK-12 FlexBook 2.0Web | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 15 | Generation GeniusWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 16 | McGraw Hill Virtual LabsWeb | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | $84.94/mo | 5.2 |
| 17 | Science MomWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 18 | TableTop ScienceWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 5.2 |
| 19 | BrainPOPWeb · iPhone | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | $9.92/mo | 5.1 |
| 20 | DreamBox MathWeb · iPhone | One bar | — | — | 2 of 6 | — | 5.1 |
| 21 | Amplify Desmos MathWeb | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 22 | JASON LearningWeb | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.9 |
| 23 | LabsterWeb | One bar | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 24 | Mystery ScienceWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
| 25 | Science4UsWeb | No signal | — | — | 1 of 6 | — | 4.8 |
Is your app on this list?
Numbered spots on this list can be sponsored. They are labelled, and the editorial order and scores never change for payment.
Questions about this list
Which science learning software is ranked first on Freedom251?
Beyond Labz is ranked #1 of 25 with a score of 6.7. PhET Interactive Simulations is second and ExploreLearning Gizmos third.
How many of these have a free plan?
7 of the 25 on this page publish a free plan on their own pricing pages.
Which is the cheapest paid option?
On this page, Pivot Interactives has the lowest first paid tier we found: $0.51/mo.
How is this list ranked?
Ranked free-and-open first: a usable free tier and open-source code, then the platforms it runs on and its documentation. Paid placements never change a rank.