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Virtual Genetics Lab II

Free#23 of 24 in Biology Learning Software

Virtual Genetics Lab II: A focused, free genetics simulator for university-level inheritance practice. Ranked #23 of 24 in Biology Learning Software by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for focused genetics simulation practice.

6.2/10Editor score

Visit UMass Boston

Virtual Genetics Lab II6.2 Visit UMass Boston

At a glance

Editor score
6.2 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Focused genetics simulation practice
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Biology simulations
Yes
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Free and open-source genetics learning software
- Simulates organism crosses and inheritance patterns
- Includes practice, working, and chi-square modes
Where it doesn't
- Standalone VGLII is no longer supported
- Focused on transmission genetics rather than broad biology
- Desktop classification limits its platform scope

Our verdict on Virtual Genetics Lab II

Virtual Genetics Lab II is a free, open-source biology learning application from the University of Massachusetts Boston. It is designed for university-level biology education, particularly learners studying transmission genetics. Instead of conducting physical experiments, users investigate simulated organisms, crosses, offspring observations, inheritance patterns, and genetic problems. The tool suits focused practice in inheritance analysis rather than broad biology instruction or general virtual-lab work.

The published offering is straightforward: VGLII is available at no cost, with a free plan and no paid tiers described. Its feature set centers on transmission-genetics simulation, including virtual organism crosses, observation of offspring, and investigation of genetic models through simulated problems. Practice and regular working modes support different learning activities, while chi-square calculations and result summaries add a quantitative component to inheritance exercises. This makes the product particularly relevant when the goal is to work through genetics scenarios and interpret outcomes rather than access a wide range of biology subjects.

Platform and support status are the main considerations for a buyer. The category specification identifies desktop platforms, while the vendor states that standalone VGLII is no longer supported. The software remains available, but the vendor recommends browser-based jsVGL for continued cross-platform support. Choose Virtual Genetics Lab II when free, open-source transmission-genetics practice and virtual crosses match the instructional need. Choose the supported jsVGL successor instead when continued standalone support or cross-platform access is a priority, and look elsewhere when the requirement extends beyond a narrow genetics simulation focus.

Your product? Our editors can test Virtual Genetics Lab II in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Virtual Genetics Lab II pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on vgl.umb.edu

Virtual Genetics Lab II fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Virtual labs	Yes
Biology simulations	Yes
3D biology models	Not verified
Assessment tools	Not verified
Teacher tools	Not verified
Primary learner level	University
Supported platforms	Desktop
Deployment	Desktop
Support	Email, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	vgl.umb.edu
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Virtual Genetics Lab II is listed in our Biology Learning Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update