Head-to-head · Science Learning Software
Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools vs PhET Interactive Simulations
Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools leads on 0 checks, PhET Interactive Simulations on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreConcord Consortium STEM Learning Tools · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresConcord Consortium STEM Learning Tools · 4 of 4
Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools scores higher on our rubric for science learning software: 9.1 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.
On science scope, PhET Interactive Simulations gives you K-12 science where Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools offers Multi-subject.
Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools is the better fit for free modeling and simulation-based science learning. PhET Interactive Simulations is the better fit for learners needing broad, low-cost simulations.
- Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools fits best
Free modeling and simulation-based science learning
- PhET Interactive Simulations fits best
Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations
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Side by side
| Feature | Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | PhET Interactive Simulations 8.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| Ranking | #4 in Science Learning Software | #7 in Science Learning Software |
| Best for | Free modeling and simulation-based science learning | 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, Browser extension | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools 4/4 · PhET Interactive Simulations 3/4 | ||
| Interactive simulations | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual experiments | ✓ | ✓ |
| Guided lessons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Assessment tools | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Science scope | Multi-subject | K-12 science |
| Included learners | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported platforms | web browser | Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools is a free collection of digital activities and software for science and STEM education. It is designed for schools, teachers, and learners working across science subjects and grade levels. Students… 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
Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools — where it wins
- Free simulations, virtual labs, and computational modeling tools
- Teacher classes, assignments, saved work, dashboards, and reports
- Multi-subject science resources with NGSS-aligned assessments
Where it doesn't
- It is a collection of tools rather than one unified SaaS product
- LMS embedding is available only for selected interactives
- Access is provided through web browsers rather than native apps
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
- Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools9.1/10 · Free plan
A free web collection for simulations, modeling, data analysis, and classroom assessment.
Visit Concord STEMFull 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 →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update