PhET Interactive Simulations
PhET Interactive Simulations: A broad simulation library with offline apps and classroom resources at low cost. Ranked #7 of 25 in Science Learning Software by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan · paid from $0.99; best for learners needing broad, low-cost simulations.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan · paid from $0.99
- Best forLearners needing broad, low-cost simulations
- Free planYes
- Science scopeK-12 science
- Founded2002 · Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on PhET Interactive Simulations
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 statistics. Browser-based HTML5 simulations support online learning, while compatible desktop and mobile apps support offline access. The product suits classrooms, independent study, demonstrations, and lessons that benefit from virtual experiments rather than static explanations.
Its main strength is breadth across subjects and learning environments. Learners can access simulations through web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks. Educators can use teacher-submitted activities, lesson resources, simulation-specific teaching tips, video primers, classroom facilitation guidance, and active-learning guidance. Simulations can also be embedded in learning management systems and presentations, with integrations including Google Classroom and PowerPoint. Multiple language translations extend its usefulness across different teaching contexts.
The pricing model is straightforward but includes an important distinction. Core web simulations are free for non-commercial educational use, and the project is open source. Official Android and iOS apps are listed at $0.99 one time, while offline desktop applications are available for Windows and macOS. PhET does not present a conventional subscription structure. The product is a strong choice for learners and educators seeking wide subject coverage, flexible delivery, and supporting classroom materials. It is less suitable for organizations seeking a dedicated assessment system or built-in AI features, or for commercial use of the core simulations.
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PhET Interactive Simulations pricing
PhET Interactive Simulations fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Science scope | K-12 science |
| Interactive simulations | Yes |
| Virtual experiments | Yes |
| Guided lessons | Yes |
| Assessment tools | Not verified |
| Included learners | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Web browsers, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and select Chromebooks |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Google Classroom, PowerPoint, learning management systems |
| Pricing | Free plan · paid from $0.99 (source) |
| Website | phet.colorado.edu |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
PhET Interactive Simulations integrations
PhET Interactive Simulations lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Google Classroom
- PowerPoint
- learning management systems
Alternatives to PhET Interactive Simulations
- ExploreLearning GizmosA broad virtual lab platform for schools that need simulations, lessons, assessment, and reporting.9.4
- CK-12 FlexBook 2.0A broad, free science platform for schools that want customizable content and classroom tools.9.3
- Inq-ITSA structured virtual lab platform for assessed, NGSS-aligned science investigations.9.2
See all PhET Interactive Simulations alternatives →
PhET Interactive Simulations vs the competition
- PhET Interactive Simulations vs ExploreLearning Gizmos
- PhET Interactive Simulations vs CK-12 FlexBook 2.0
- PhET Interactive Simulations vs Inq-ITS
- PhET Interactive Simulations vs Concord Consortium STEM Learning Tools
- PhET Interactive Simulations vs Discovery Education Science Techbook
- PhET Interactive Simulations vs LabXchange
Compare PhET Interactive Simulations with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
PhET Interactive Simulations is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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