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Head-to-head · Science Learning Software

ExploreLearning Gizmos vs CK-12 FlexBook 2.0

Updated Oct 2026
Both researched from official sources
5 checks side by side

Higher score ExploreLearning Gizmos #1 in Science Learning Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit site

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

ExploreLearning Gizmos leads on 0 checks, CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 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 scoreExploreLearning Gizmos · 9.4/10
Free planboth
Free trialonly ExploreLearning Gizmos
Most featuresExploreLearning Gizmos · 4 of 4

ExploreLearning Gizmos scores higher on our rubric for science learning software: 9.4 against 9.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.

ExploreLearning Gizmos is the better fit for K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs. CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 is the better fit for schools wanting a fully free science platform.

ExploreLearning Gizmos fits best
K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs
CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 fits best
Schools wanting a fully free science platform

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Side by side

Show only differences

Feature	ExploreLearning Gizmos 9.4/10 Visit ↗	CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 9.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.3
Ranking	#1 in Science Learning Software	#2 in Science Learning Software
Best for	K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs	Schools wanting a fully free science platform
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free
Starting price	—	Free plan
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud	Cloud
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web
Support	Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs	Email, Community, Docs
Integrations	3 integrations	6 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ExploreLearning Gizmos 4/4 · CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 3/4
Interactive simulations	✓	✓
Virtual experiments	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Guided lessons	✓	✓
Assessment tools	✓	✓
Specs
Science scope	K-12 science	K-12 science
Included learners	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Supported platforms	PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, Android tablets, and modern web browsers	Browser on laptop, desktop, Chromebook, tablet, or mobile device
Our review
Pros	Combines simulations, virtual labs, STEM Cases, and guided investigations Includes formative assessments, reports, and real-time data heatmaps Supports rostering through OneRoster, Clever, and ClassLink	Free customizable textbooks with videos, interactives, and practice Physics and chemistry simulations plus adaptive personalized questions Assignments, progress insights, and LMS grade passback support
Cons	The free account offers only a limited, rotating collection Paid subscriptions require a customized quote Its broad scope may exceed the needs of single-purpose users	Browser-based access only Science content is focused on K–12 learning Customization and class management are teacher-led
Our verdict	ExploreLearning Gizmos is a browser-based STEM learning platform for schools and districts serving grades 3–12. It combines more than 550 interactive math and science simulations with virtual labs, STEM Cases, guided investigations, lesson… Read the review →	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 →

E ExploreLearning GizmosScience Learning Software 9.4Free plan · 30-day trial
CK-12 FlexBook 2.0Science Learning Software 9.3Free plan

Compare the top tools in

Strengths and trade-offs

ExploreLearning Gizmos — where it wins
- Combines simulations, virtual labs, STEM Cases, and guided investigations
- Includes formative assessments, reports, and real-time data heatmaps
- Supports rostering through OneRoster, Clever, and ClassLink
Where it doesn't
- The free account offers only a limited, rotating collection
- Paid subscriptions require a customized quote
- Its broad scope may exceed the needs of single-purpose users
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

ExploreLearning Gizmos9.4/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial
A broad virtual lab platform for schools that need simulations, lessons, assessment, and reporting.
Visit site Full verdict →
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-12 Full verdict →

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update