Side by side
Labster vs Mystery Science
Both stand on science learning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Labster if you need guided virtual science practice, assessment tools, and a way to match labs to a syllabus. It offers a broad STEM simulation library and several LMS integrations. Institutions looking for smartphone-based simulation access should look elsewhere, since smartphones are not supported for playing simulations.
Visit LabsterMystery Science combines structured elementary science lessons with anonymous student access and stated privacy protections. Buyers should account for its paid-only model and school-oriented membership options.
Visit Mystery ScienceThe facts
| Labster | Mystery Science | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Custom institutional or department engagement: $5,000 a year | Science homeschool membership: $199, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | labster.com | mysteryscience.com |
| On science learning software | #16 of 25 | #20 of 25 |
Labster: what it does well
- More than 300 simulations cover STEM subjects.
- Guided scenarios allow unlimited self-paced repetition.
- Students receive instant feedback during simulations.
- Automatic grading, customizable quizzes, and assignment building are included.
- Course mapping helps align virtual labs with a syllabus.
What to know first
- Smartphones cannot play simulations.
- Some simulations are supported on iPads and Chromebooks only through the Labster app.
- Purchase is available to educational institution instructors, faculty, and administrators.
Mystery Science: what it does well
- Covers Kindergarten through fifth grade
- Anonymous student links need no accounts
- FERPA- and COPPA-compliant
- Some activities work offline
What to know first
- No free plan
- Individual classroom memberships are not offered
- Most activities require online access
- School pricing requires a quote
Alternatives to Labster Alternatives to Mystery Science The whole list