Best ExploreLearning Gizmos Alternatives in 2026
The top ExploreLearning Gizmos alternatives are CK-12 FlexBook 2.0, Inq-ITS and Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools: 15 science learning software our editors would look at instead of ExploreLearning Gizmos, in our ranking order.
ExploreLearning Gizmos: A broad virtual lab platform for schools that need simulations, lessons, assessment, and reporting. Where it falls short: the free account offers only a limited, rotating collection.
Switching from ExploreLearning Gizmos? For most science learning software buyers the best ExploreLearning Gizmos alternative is CK-12 FlexBook 2.0, built for schools wanting a fully free science platform. Pivot Interactives offers the most included learners (10 learners).
Why People Look for an ExploreLearning Gizmos Alternative
- 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
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallCK-12 FlexBook 2.09.3
Schools wanting a fully free science platform
Visit CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 - Best free optionCK-12 FlexBook 2.09.3
Has a free plan
Visit CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 - Most included learnersPivot Interactives8.3
10 learners
Visit Pivot Interactives
All 15 ExploreLearning Gizmos Alternatives, Ranked
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.
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Best forSchools wanting a fully free science platform
A broad, free science platform for schools that want customizable content and classroom tools.
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
9.3/10★★★★★Visit CK-12 -
Best forTeachers needing assessed virtual investigations
A structured virtual lab platform for assessed, NGSS-aligned science investigations.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
9.2/10★★★★★Visit Inq-ITS -
Best forFree modeling and simulation-based science learning
A free web collection for simulations, modeling, data analysis, and classroom assessment.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
9.1/10★★★★★Visit Concord STEM -
Best forDistricts wanting a complete science curriculum
A broad, standards-aligned science curriculum built for district-wide delivery.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
9.0/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forFree educators building custom science pathways
A broad, free science platform for educators who want customizable learning pathways.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit LabXchange -
Best forLearners needing broad, low-cost simulations
A broad simulation library with offline apps and classroom resources at low cost.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit PhET -
Best forStudents needing focused virtual lab practice
Focused browser-based lab practice with guided work, assessment, and LMS integration.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit Beyond Labz -
Best forHigher-education users wanting many 3D labs
A broad 3D science lab platform with strong assessment tools and contact-sales pricing.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Labster -
Best forPhysics teachers analyzing real-world video data
A focused platform for measuring, graphing, and grading science from interactive video.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit Pivot -
Best forIndividuals seeking affordable 3D virtual labs
Affordable 3D biology, chemistry, and physics labs with guidance and reporting.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.2/10★★★★☆Visit PraxiLabs -
Best forElementary teachers using game-based practice
A strong fit for elementary teachers seeking game-based science and math practice.
8.1/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forSchools wanting structured phenomena-based lessons
A structured K–8 science curriculum combining investigations, simulations, assessments, and teacher guidance.
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
8.0/10★★★★☆Try Amplify Science -
Best forK–12 programs wanting curriculum plus STEM events
A broad K–12 STEM curriculum library with classroom, homeschool, and educator tools.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit JASON Learning -
Best forCollege courses needing assessed virtual labs
A broad virtual lab library with assessments, reporting, and LMS delivery.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit McGraw Hill -
Best forK–8 learners wanting video-led science lessons
A structured, video-led science resource with strong classroom materials for K–8 learners.
- Virtual experiments
- Guided lessons
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit site
ExploreLearning Gizmos Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to ExploreLearning Gizmos?
CK-12 FlexBook 2.0: #2 in our Science Learning Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.3 out of 10. A broad, free science platform for schools that want customizable content and classroom tools.
Is there a free alternative to ExploreLearning Gizmos?
Yes. CK-12 FlexBook 2.0, Inq-ITS, Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools, LabXchange and PhET Interactive Simulations have a free plan or a free tier (7 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for ExploreLearning Gizmos alternatives?
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.
Which ExploreLearning Gizmos alternative has the most included learners?
Pivot Interactives, with 10 learners.
How do I switch from ExploreLearning Gizmos?
Export your data from ExploreLearning Gizmos (most tools have an export in their settings). Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one. Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on. Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ExploreLearning Gizmos.
How to Switch from ExploreLearning Gizmos
- Export your data from ExploreLearning Gizmos (most tools have an export in their settings).
- Sign up for the alternative; start on its free plan or trial if it has one.
- Import your export and set up the integrations your team relies on.
- Run both side by side for a short while, then cancel ExploreLearning Gizmos.
ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Science scope | Interactive simulations | Virtual experiments | Guided lessons | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ExploreLearning Gizmos | Yes | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.4 | |
| 1 | CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 | Yes | Free | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 2 | Inq-ITS | Yes | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 3 | Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools | Yes | Free | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.1 |
| 4 | Discovery Education Science Techbook | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.0 | ||
| 5 | LabXchange | Yes | Free | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 6 | PhET Interactive Simulations | Yes | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 7 | Beyond Labz | Yes | $31.95/seat one-time | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| 8 | Labster | No | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 9 | Pivot Interactives | No | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 10 | PraxiLabs | No | $44.99/user/yr | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 |
| 11 | Legends of Learning | Yes | 8.1 | |||||
| 12 | Amplify Science | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | 8.0 | |||
| 13 | JASON Learning | No | $250/yr | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 14 | McGraw Hill Virtual Labs | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | 7.8 | |||
| 15 | Generation Genius | $250/yr | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | 7.7 |
Head-to-Head
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs CK-12 FlexBook 2.0
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Inq-ITS
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs Discovery Education Science Techbook
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs LabXchange
- ExploreLearning Gizmos vs PhET Interactive Simulations
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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