CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 vs PhET Interactive Simulations

CK-12 FlexBook 2.09.3Visit PhET Interactive Simulations8.7Visit

Higher score CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 #2 in Science Learning Software 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit CK-12

vs

PhET Interactive Simulations #7 in Science Learning Software 8.7/10 Free plan · paid from $0.99 Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit PhET

• CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 fits best

  Schools wanting a fully free science platform

• PhET Interactive Simulations fits best

  Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations

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Side by side

Feature	CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 9.3/10 Visit ↗	PhET Interactive Simulations 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	8.7
Ranking	#2 in Science Learning Software	#7 in Science Learning Software
Best for	Schools wanting a fully free science platform	Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	Free plan · paid from $0.99
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Community, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	6 integrations	3 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 3/4 · PhET Interactive Simulations 3/4
Interactive simulations	✓	✓
Virtual experiments	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Guided lessons	✓	✓
Assessment tools	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Specs
Science scope	K-12 science	K-12 science
Included learners	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	Browser on laptop, desktop, Chromebook, tablet, or mobile device	Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks
Our review
Pros	Free customizable textbooks with videos, interactives, and practice Physics and chemistry simulations plus adaptive personalized questions Assignments, progress insights, and LMS grade passback support	Covers physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, math, and statistics Works online and offline across desktop and mobile platforms Includes activities, teaching tips, translations, and LMS embedding
Cons	Browser-based access only Science content is focused on K–12 learning Customization and class management are teacher-led	Core simulations are free only for non-commercial educational use Official iOS and Android apps cost $0.99 one time Assessment tools are not a stated core capability
Our verdict	CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 is a browser-based science learning platform for K–12 students, teachers, parents, and schools. Its core offering combines customizable digital textbooks with interactive lessons, embedded videos, practice activities,… Read the review →	PhET Interactive Simulations is a University of Colorado Boulder project for learners and educators in K–12 and higher education. It provides interactive simulations across physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, mathematics, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 — where it wins

  • Free customizable textbooks with videos, interactives, and practice
  • Physics and chemistry simulations plus adaptive personalized questions
  • Assignments, progress insights, and LMS grade passback support

  Where it doesn't

  • Browser-based access only
  • Science content is focused on K–12 learning
  • Customization and class management are teacher-led

• PhET Interactive Simulations — where it wins

  • Covers physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, math, and statistics
  • Works online and offline across desktop and mobile platforms
  • Includes activities, teaching tips, translations, and LMS embedding

  Where it doesn't

  • Core simulations are free only for non-commercial educational use
  • Official iOS and Android apps cost $0.99 one time
  • Assessment tools are not a stated core capability

• CK-12 FlexBook 2.09.3/10 · Free plan

  A broad, free science platform for schools that want customizable content and classroom tools.

  Visit CK-12Full verdict →
• PhET Interactive Simulations8.7/10 · Free plan · paid from $0.99

  A broad simulation library with offline apps and classroom resources at low cost.

  Visit PhETFull verdict →