Best SAM Labs Alternatives in 2026
The top SAM Labs alternatives are ExploreLearning Gizmos, Scratch and MakeCode: 15 STEM education platforms our editors would look at instead of SAM Labs, in our ranking order.
SAM Labs: A classroom STEAM system connecting programmable blocks, coding lessons and teacher tracking. Where it falls short: pricing requires a custom proposal rather than a published standard plan..
Switching from SAM Labs? For most stem education platforms buyers the best SAM Labs alternative is ExploreLearning Gizmos, built for k–12 math and science simulation lessons. On a budget, Tynker starts at $25/mo. STEM Sims offers the most student seats (4 seats).
Why People Look for an SAM Labs Alternative
- Pricing requires a custom proposal rather than a published standard plan
- Its project-based approach centers on programmable electronic hardware
- The curriculum is positioned for elementary and middle-school learning
Quick Picks by What You Need
- Best overallExploreLearning Gizmos9.2
K–12 math and science simulation lessons
Visit ExploreLearning Gizmos - Lowest priceTynker8.0
Paid plans from $25/mo
Visit Tynker - Best free optionExploreLearning Gizmos9.2
Has a free plan
Visit ExploreLearning Gizmos - Most student seatsSTEM Sims7.4
4 seats
Visit STEM Sims
All 15 SAM 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 math and science simulation lessons
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 9.2 vs 7.3
A K–12 STEM platform pairing simulations with guided investigations and classroom assessment tools.
9.2/10★★★★★Visit site -
Best forFree creative coding for beginner learners
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.8 vs 7.3
A free block-based coding environment for building and sharing creative projects.
8.8/10★★★★☆Visit Scratch -
Best forFree coding practice with compatible hardware
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.7 vs 7.3
MakeCode pairs block and text editors with target simulation and code downloads.
8.7/10★★★★☆Visit MakeCode -
Best forFree introductory 3D design and circuit simulation
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.6 vs 7.3
A free introductory workspace for 3D design, circuit simulation, and classroom projects.
8.6/10★★★★☆Visit Tinkercad -
Best forCollaborative lessons built around Minecraft
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.5 vs 7.3
Minecraft-based lessons combine cross-subject learning, coding, and classroom collaboration.
- Teacher dashboard
- Standards alignment
8.5/10★★★★☆Visit site -
Best forInstitutions teaching science through virtual labs
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.4 vs 7.3
A broad library of guided science simulations with LMS-based teaching and assessment tools.
8.4/10★★★★☆Visit Labster -
Best forAffordable multi-subject virtual science labs
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.3 vs 7.3
Guided 3D labs across science subjects, with individual and institutional plans.
8.3/10★★★★☆Visit PraxiLabs -
Best forTeachers seeking free engineering lesson resources
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.1 vs 7.3
A free library of peer-reviewed K–12 engineering lessons, not an interactive learning platform.
- Engineering projects
- Standards alignment
8.1/10★★★★☆Try TeachEngineering -
Best forSelf-paced coding courses across age and skill levels
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 8.0 vs 7.3
A flexible route from visual coding to text-based programming, with courses for home and school.
8.0/10★★★★☆Visit Tynker -
Best forSchools teaching beginner JavaScript through projects
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 7.9 vs 7.3
Project-based JavaScript lessons pair beginner coding support with teacher progress tools.
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Teacher dashboard
- Standards alignment
7.9/10★★★★☆Visit Blackbird Code -
Best forFree cross-curricular coding and data science pathways
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 7.8 vs 7.3
Free browser-based curricula bring coding, data science and AI into core subjects.
- Coding/robotics curriculum
- Standards alignment
7.8/10★★★★☆Visit Bootstrap -
Best forPython lessons with classroom progress tools
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 7.7 vs 7.3
Guided Python projects pair coding practice with teacher assignment and grading tools.
7.7/10★★★★☆Visit Codesters -
Best forStudent-created 3D, AR, and VR projects
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 7.6 vs 7.3
A classroom creation platform for student-built 3D projects with AR and VR viewing.
7.6/10★★★★☆Visit Delightex Edu -
Best forFree multi-subject virtual science learning
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 7.5 vs 7.3
A free science platform for educators and learners who want virtual labs and adaptable lessons.
7.5/10★★★★☆Visit LabXchange -
Best forGrade-banded virtual labs and engineering simulations
- Better than SAM Labs:
- Editor score 7.4 vs 7.3
A browser-based library of virtual labs, lessons, and teacher tools across grade bands.
- Engineering projects
- Virtual labs
- Teacher dashboard
7.4/10★★★★☆Visit STEM Sims
SAM Labs Alternatives: Common Questions
What is the best alternative to SAM Labs?
ExploreLearning Gizmos: #1 in our STEM Education Platforms ranking, with an editor score of 9.2 out of 10. A K–12 STEM platform pairing simulations with guided investigations and classroom assessment tools.
Is there a free alternative to SAM Labs?
Yes. ExploreLearning Gizmos, Scratch, MakeCode, Tinkercad and TeachEngineering have a free plan or a free tier (10 of the 15 alternatives on this page).
Why do people look for SAM Labs alternatives?
Pricing requires a custom proposal rather than a published standard plan; Its project-based approach centers on programmable electronic hardware; The curriculum is positioned for elementary and middle-school learning.
Which SAM Labs alternative has the most student seats?
STEM Sims, with 4 seats.
How do I switch from SAM Labs?
Export your data from SAM 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 SAM Labs.
How to Switch from SAM Labs
- Export your data from SAM 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 SAM Labs.
SAM Labs vs Each Alternative
| # | Tool | Free plan | Paid from | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | SAM Labs | 7.3 | ||
| 1 | ExploreLearning Gizmos | Yes | 9.2 | |
| 2 | Scratch | Yes | Free | 8.8 |
| 3 | MakeCode | Yes | Free | 8.7 |
| 4 | Tinkercad | Yes | Free | 8.6 |
| 5 | Minecraft Education | No | $5.04/user/yr | 8.5 |
| 6 | Labster | No | 8.4 | |
| 7 | PraxiLabs | No | $44.99/user/yr | 8.3 |
| 8 | TeachEngineering | Yes | Free | 8.1 |
| 9 | Tynker | Yes | $25/mo | 8.0 |
| 10 | Blackbird Code | $12/user/yr | 7.9 | |
| 11 | Bootstrap | Yes | Free | 7.8 |
| 12 | Codesters | Yes | 7.7 | |
| 13 | Delightex Edu (formerly CoSpaces Edu) | Yes | 7.6 | |
| 14 | LabXchange | Yes | Free | 7.5 |
| 15 | STEM Sims | No | 7.4 |
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update