Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Science Learning Software

ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Inq-ITS

  • 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
Inq-ITS #3 in Science Learning Software 9.2/10 Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Inq-ITS

ExploreLearning Gizmos leads on 0 checks, Inq-ITS 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 trialboth

ExploreLearning Gizmos scores higher on our rubric for science learning software: 9.4 against 9.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

On science scope, ExploreLearning Gizmos gives you K-12 science where Inq-ITS offers Multi-subject.

ExploreLearning Gizmos is the better fit for K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs. Inq-ITS is the better fit for teachers needing assessed virtual investigations.

  • ExploreLearning Gizmos fits best

    K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs

  • Inq-ITS fits best

    Teachers needing assessed virtual investigations

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.

Side by side

Feature ExploreLearning Gizmos 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Inq-ITS 9.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 9.2
Ranking #1 in Science Learning Software #3 in Science Learning Software
Best for K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs Teachers needing assessed virtual investigations
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price — Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 30 days 30 days
Free trial length 30 days 30 days
Deployment Cloud Cloud, Browser extension
Platforms Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs Email, Phone, Docs
Integrations 3 integrations 2 integrations
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ExploreLearning Gizmos 4/4 · Inq-ITS 4/4
Interactive simulations ✓ ✓
Virtual experiments ✓ ✓
Guided lessons ✓ ✓
Assessment tools ✓ ✓
Specs
Science scope K-12 science Multi-subject
Included learners Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported platforms PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, Android tablets, and modern web browsers Web browser; Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, and Android devices
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
  • NGSS-aligned labs span physical, life, and Earth science
  • Auto-grading, reports, and alerts support ongoing assessment
  • Rex AI tutoring plus Google Classroom and Clever integration
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
  • Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than published amounts
  • The experience is focused on school-based science investigations
  • Advanced workflows may require teacher setup and monitoring
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 →

Inq-ITS is a browser-based science learning environment for middle and high school students. It supports NGSS-aligned virtual labs across physical, life, and Earth science, with interactive simulations that guide learners through…

Read the review →
  1. ExploreLearning GizmosScience Learning Software 9.4Free plan · 30-day trial
  2. Inq-ITSScience Learning Software 9.2Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial

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

  • Inq-ITS — where it wins

    • NGSS-aligned labs span physical, life, and Earth science
    • Auto-grading, reports, and alerts support ongoing assessment
    • Rex AI tutoring plus Google Classroom and Clever integration

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires a sales conversation rather than published amounts
    • The experience is focused on school-based science investigations
    • Advanced workflows may require teacher setup and monitoring
  • ExploreLearning Gizmos9.4/10 · Free plan · 30-day trial

    A broad virtual lab platform for schools that need simulations, lessons, assessment, and reporting.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Inq-ITS9.2/10 · Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial

    A structured virtual lab platform for assessed, NGSS-aligned science investigations.

    Visit Inq-ITSFull verdict →

More comparisons

All science learning software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update