Best McGraw Hill Virtual Labs Alternatives in 2026
The top McGraw Hill Virtual Labs alternatives are ExploreLearning Gizmos, CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 and Inq-ITS: 15 science learning software our editors would look at instead of McGraw Hill Virtual Labs, in our ranking order.
McGraw Hill Virtual Labs: A broad virtual lab library with assessments, reporting, and LMS delivery. Where it falls short: the listed plan covers microbiology virtual labs.
Switching from McGraw Hill Virtual Labs? For most science learning software buyers the best McGraw Hill Virtual Labs alternative is ExploreLearning Gizmos, built for k–12 schools needing complete virtual labs. Pivot Interactives offers the most included learners (10 learners).
Why People Look for a McGraw Hill Virtual Labs Alternative
- The listed plan covers microbiology virtual labs
- Access is delivered through Connect or an LMS
- The product is focused on simulated rather than physical labs
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallExploreLearning Gizmos9.4
K–12 schools needing complete virtual labs
Visit ExploreLearning Gizmos - Best free optionExploreLearning Gizmos9.4
Has a free plan
Visit ExploreLearning Gizmos - Most included learnersPivot Interactives8.3
10 learners
Visit Pivot Interactives
All 15 McGraw Hill Virtual Labs 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 forK–12 schools needing complete virtual labs
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 9.4 vs 7.8
A broad virtual lab platform for schools that need simulations, lessons, assessment, and reporting.
- Virtual experiments
- Interactive simulations
- Guided lessons
9.4/10★★★★★Visit site -
Best forSchools wanting a fully free science platform
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 9.3 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 9.1 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 9.0 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.2 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.8
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
- Better than McGraw Hill Virtual Labs:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.8
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 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
McGraw Hill Virtual Labs Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to McGraw Hill Virtual Labs?
ExploreLearning Gizmos: #1 in our Science Learning Software ranking, with an editor score of 9.4 out of 10. A broad virtual lab platform for schools that need simulations, lessons, assessment, and reporting.
Is there a free alternative to McGraw Hill Virtual Labs?
Yes. ExploreLearning Gizmos, CK-12 FlexBook 2.0, Inq-ITS, Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools and LabXchange have a free plan or a free tier (8 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for McGraw Hill Virtual Labs alternatives?
The listed plan covers microbiology virtual labs; Access is delivered through Connect or an LMS; The product is focused on simulated rather than physical labs.
Which McGraw Hill Virtual Labs alternative has the most included learners?
Pivot Interactives, with 10 learners.
How do I switch from McGraw Hill Virtual Labs?
Export your data from McGraw Hill Virtual Labs (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 McGraw Hill Virtual Labs.
How to Switch from McGraw Hill Virtual Labs
- Export your data from McGraw Hill Virtual Labs (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 McGraw Hill Virtual Labs.
McGraw Hill Virtual Labs vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Science scope | Interactive simulations | Virtual experiments | Guided lessons | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | McGraw Hill Virtual Labs | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | 7.8 | |||
| 1 | ExploreLearning Gizmos | Yes | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.4 | |
| 2 | CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 | Yes | Free | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | 9.3 | |
| 3 | Inq-ITS | Yes | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 4 | Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools | Yes | Free | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.1 |
| 5 | Discovery Education Science Techbook | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 9.0 | ||
| 6 | LabXchange | Yes | Free | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.8 |
| 7 | PhET Interactive Simulations | Yes | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.7 | |
| 8 | Beyond Labz | Yes | $31.95/seat one-time | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.5 |
| 9 | Labster | No | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.4 | |
| 10 | Pivot Interactives | No | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.3 | |
| 11 | PraxiLabs | No | $44.99/user/yr | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8.2 |
| 12 | Legends of Learning | Yes | 8.1 | |||||
| 13 | Amplify Science | Multi-subject | Yes | Yes | 8.0 | |||
| 14 | JASON Learning | No | $250/yr | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | Yes | 7.9 |
| 15 | Generation Genius | $250/yr | K-12 science | Yes | Yes | 7.7 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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