ExploreLearning Gizmos vs PhET Interactive Simulations

EGExploreLearning Gizmos9.4Visit PhET Interactive Simulations8.7Visit

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

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

• ExploreLearning Gizmos fits best

  K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs

• PhET Interactive Simulations fits best

  Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations

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	EGExploreLearning Gizmos 9.4/10 Visit ↗	PhET Interactive Simulations 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.7
Ranking	#1 in Science Learning Software	#7 in Science Learning Software
Best for	K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs	Learners needing broad, low-cost simulations
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	Free plan · paid from $0.99
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	30 days	—
Deployment	Cloud	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Support	Email, Live chat, Phone, Docs	Email, Docs
Integrations	3 integrations	3 integrations
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ExploreLearning Gizmos 4/4 · PhET Interactive Simulations 3/4
Interactive simulations	✓	✓
Virtual experiments	✓	✓
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	PC, Mac, Chromebook, iPad, Android tablets, and modern web browsers	Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks
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	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	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	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	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 →	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

• 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

• 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

• EGExploreLearning 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 →
• 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 →