Side by side
Labster vs Pivot Interactives
Both stand on virtual lab 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 LabsterPivot Interactives combines a broad science activity library with tools for assigning, adapting, and grading work. Its reliance on internet access is an important consideration for classrooms with limited connectivity.
Visit Pivot InteractivesThe facts
| Labster | Pivot Interactives | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | A free trial | A free trial |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows | iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Custom institutional or department engagement: $5,000 a year | Classroom: $6.10 per seat a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | labster.com | pivotinteractives.com |
| On virtual lab software | #12 of 27 | #16 of 27 |
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.
Pivot Interactives: what it does well
- More than 550 activities across science subjects
- Students can manipulate parameters and investigate data
- Teachers can customize activities and grade work
- Co-Lab enables student collaboration
- 30-day trial includes full feature access
What to know first
- Requires a stable high-speed internet connection
- Images, videos, and questions are unavailable offline
- No free plan
Alternatives to Labster Alternatives to Pivot Interactives The whole list