The Best STEM Education Platforms in 2026
ExploreLearning Gizmos leads this directory with a library exceeding 550 math and science simulations, alongside guided investigations and built-in assessment tools. It is the best free option: its free plan provides a limited collection of Gizmos. The cheapest paid option is PraxiLabs at $6.99 per user for a month of access; Beyond Labz sells 20 weeks of chemistry for $31.95 per seat. For K–12 classrooms that use math and science simulations, ExploreLearning Gizmos adds progress reports, visual heatmaps, and roster connections through OneRoster, Clever, or ClassLink, giving teachers a way to monitor classroom work. Scratch is the pick for free creative coding with beginners, using block programming, starter projects, and tutorials to help learners make interactive media. MakeCode works well for coding practice tied to compatible hardware because learners can switch from blocks to text, test in a target simulator, and download programs to devices. Tinkercad suits introductory 3D design and circuits by combining drag-and-drop modeling with Arduino and micro:bit electronics. Labster is a strong institutional choice for science courses, pairing a large simulation catalog with auto-grading, quizzes, feedback, and links to common learning-management systems. Together these choices cover classroom simulation, creative coding, hardware experimentation, and virtual laboratory teaching without assuming a single age group or teaching format.
Our top picks
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Top ranked
ExploreLearning Gizmos#1 of 329.2/10A K–12 STEM platform pairing simulations with guided investigations and classroom assessment tools.
Free plan · 30-day trial
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Runner-up
Scratch#2 of 328.8/10A free block-based coding environment for building and sharing creative projects.
Free plan
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Top-ranked free plan
MakeCode#3 of 328.7/10MakeCode pairs block and text editors with target simulation and code downloads.
Free plan
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
The full ranking 32 tools, best first
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Best forK–12 math and science simulation lessons
A K–12 STEM platform pairing simulations with guided investigations and classroom assessment tools.
Free plan · 30-day trial Our ExploreLearning Gizmos verdict → Visit siteFor vendors Sponsor this spot · #1 · $149/mo →9.2/10★★★★★Visit site -
Best forFree creative coding for beginner learners
A free block-based coding environment for building and sharing creative projects.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Scratch -
Best forFree coding practice with compatible hardware
MakeCode pairs block and text editors with target simulation and code downloads.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit MakeCode -
Best forFree introductory 3D design and circuit simulation
A free introductory workspace for 3D design, circuit simulation, and classroom projects.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Tinkercad -
Best forCollaborative lessons built around Minecraft
Minecraft-based lessons combine cross-subject learning, coding, and classroom collaboration.
- Teacher dashboard
- Standards alignment
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forInstitutions teaching science through virtual labs
A broad library of guided science simulations with LMS-based teaching and assessment tools.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Labster -
Best forAffordable multi-subject virtual science labs
Guided 3D labs across science subjects, with individual and institutional plans.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit PraxiLabs -
Best forTeachers seeking free engineering lesson resources
A free library of peer-reviewed K–12 engineering lessons, not an interactive learning platform.
- Engineering projects
- Standards alignment
8.1/10★★★★☆Try TeachEngineering -
Best forSelf-paced coding courses across age and skill levels
A flexible route from visual coding to text-based programming, with courses for home and school.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Tynker -
Best forSchools teaching beginner JavaScript through projects
Project-based JavaScript lessons pair beginner coding support with teacher progress tools.
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Teacher dashboard
- Standards alignment
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Blackbird Code -
Best forFree cross-curricular coding and data science pathways
Free browser-based curricula bring coding, data science and AI into core subjects.
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Standards alignment
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Bootstrap -
Best forPython lessons with classroom progress tools
Guided Python projects pair coding practice with teacher assignment and grading tools.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Codesters -
Best forStudent-created 3D, AR, and VR projects
A classroom creation platform for student-built 3D projects with AR and VR viewing.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Delightex Edu -
Best forFree multi-subject virtual science learning
A free science platform for educators and learners who want virtual labs and adaptable lessons.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit LabXchange -
Best forGrade-banded virtual labs and engineering simulations
A browser-based library of virtual labs, lessons, and teacher tools across grade bands.
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
- Teacher dashboard
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit STEM Sims -
Best forK–8 STEAM classes using modular electronics
A classroom STEAM system connecting programmable blocks, coding lessons and teacher tracking.
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
- Coding/robotics curriculum
7.3/10★★★★☆Visit SAM Labs -
Best forK–12 coding and robotics with classroom tracking
Coding, robotics and AI lessons paired with classroom tracking for schools.
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Teacher dashboard
- Standards alignment
7.2/10★★★★☆Visit Skill Struck -
Best forFree standards-aligned K–12 STEM activities
A free web platform pairing standards-aligned STEM activities with virtual labs and teacher tools.
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
- Coding/robotics curriculum
7.1/10★★★★☆Visit Wilkinson STEM -
Best forSchools buying structured PreK–12 STEM programs
Structured STEM programs pair classroom pathways with myPLTW courses and teacher guides.
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
- Coding/robotics curriculum
7.0/10★★★★☆Visit PLTW -
Best forHigher-education control, aerospace, and robotics labs
A focused virtual lab platform for control, aerospace, and robotics coursework.
- Virtual labs
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Teacher dashboard
6.9/10★★★☆☆Visit Quanser -
Best forOpen-ended simulated science experiments with AI support
A multi-subject virtual lab combining open-ended experiments, AI tutoring and automated assessment.
- Teacher dashboard
6.8/10★★★☆☆Contact WhimsyLabs -
Best forScience courses needing virtual labs and LMS grading
Browser-based science labs pair interactive experiments with LMS grading and progress tracking.
6.7/10★★★☆☆Visit Beyond Labz -
Best forSchools teaching chemistry through VR activities
A classroom-focused VR chemistry tool with simulations, experiments, and teacher controls.
- Virtual labs
6.6/10★★★☆☆Visit Futuclass -
Best forClassroom modeling and computational science inquiry
A middle-school curriculum for exploring science through modeling and visual programming.
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Standards alignment
6.5/10★★★☆☆Visit Project GUTS -
Best forFree guided Python projects for grades 3–12
A classroom-focused way to teach Python through creative projects, with AI tools for students and teachers.
6.4/10★★★☆☆Visit imagi Edu -
Best forSchools needing accessible virtual science labs
A school-focused platform pairing 3D science experiments with LMS grading and teacher dashboards.
- Virtual labs
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Teacher dashboard
6.2/10★★★☆☆Visit Labs For Home -
Best forSchools deploying curriculum-mapped STEM VR modules
A 74-module STEM library for schools combining teacher-led VR and browser-based learning.
- VR support
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
6.1/10★★★☆☆Visit iXRLabs -
Best forSchools seeking varied STEM experiences with ClassVR
A VR-oriented STEM package combining curriculum-mapped experiences, labs and classroom management.
- VR support
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
6.0/10★★★☆☆Request a quote -
Best forInstitutions seeking STEM software plus lab operations
Combines STEM learning tools, lab operations and institutional management for education providers.
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
- Coding/robotics curriculum
6.0/10★★★☆☆Try RSIL Technology -
Best forSchools seeking 3D labs and turnkey STEAM setups
A school-focused STEM platform combining 3D simulations, assessments and engineering projects.
- VR support
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit CSEEL -
Best forClassrooms using glasses-free AR/VR learning systems
A classroom AR/VR system for exploring 3D models and building teacher-led activities.
6.0/10★★★☆☆Visit zSpace -
Best forK–12 teachers assigning standards-aligned video lessons
A classroom resource platform for assigning curriculum-aligned media and tracking progress.
6.0/10★★★☆☆Request a demo
No tools match those filters.
Compare at a glance
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ExploreLearning Gizmos | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 2 | Scratch | Yes | Free | 8.8 |
| 3 | MakeCode | Yes | Free | 8.7 |
| 4 | Tinkercad | Yes | Free | 8.6 |
| 5 | Minecraft Education | No | $5.04/user/yr | 8.5 |
| 6 | Labster | No | 8.4 | |
| 7 | PraxiLabs | No | $44.99/user/yr | 8.3 |
| 8 | TeachEngineering | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 9 | Tynker | Yes | $25/mo | 8.0 |
| 10 | Blackbird Code | $12/user/yr | 7.9 | |
| 11 | Bootstrap | Yes | Free | 7.8 |
| 12 | Codesters | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 13 | Delightex Edu (formerly CoSpaces Edu) | Yes | 7.6 | |
| 14 | LabXchange | Yes | Free | 7.5 |
| 15 | STEM Sims | No | 7.4 | |
| 16 | SAM Labs | 7.3 | ||
| 17 | Skill Struck | No | 7.2 | |
| 18 | Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation | Yes | Free | 7.1 |
| 19 | Project Lead The Way (PLTW) | No | $500/yr | 7.0 |
| 20 | Quanser Interactive Labs | No | 6.9 | |
| 21 | WhimsyLabs | No | 6.8 | |
| 22 | Beyond Labz | Yes | $31.95/seat one-time | 6.7 |
| 23 | Futuclass Chemistry VR | 6.6 | ||
| 24 | Project GUTS | 6.5 | ||
| 25 | imagi Edu | Yes | 6.4 | |
| 26 | Labs For Home | 6.2 | ||
| 27 | iXRLabs STEM VR App | No | $2,000/yr | 6.1 |
| 28 | EduverseSTEM | 6.0 | ||
| 29 | RSIL Technology | 6.0 | ||
| 30 | CSEEL | No | 6.0 | |
| 31 | zSpace | 6.0 | ||
| 32 | Discovery Education Experience | No | 6.0 |
Head-to-head All 27 comparisons →
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Scratch
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs MakeCode
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Tinkercad
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Minecraft Education
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Labster
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs PraxiLabs
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs TeachEngineering
- Scratch vs Tinkercad
- Scratch vs Minecraft Education
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How we rank STEM education platforms
Every tool on this page was researched by iTechGuides Editors from its official website — pricing pages, plan tables and product documentation. We rank on how well each one does this category's core job, what the free or entry plan includes, and where it falls short. Where we have enough verified facts, the score out of 10 is a rubric — job fit, value and how much we could verify — shown with its breakdown on every tool's page; a tool we have not verified enough to score yet shows its rank without a number. Scores are re-checked when a product changes its plans. Read the full editorial policy, or submit a tool we missed.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update