15 Best Virtual Lab and Experimentation Platforms

Discover the best virtual lab and experimentation platforms that make learning limitless.

Remember those dreadful days when academia and laboratory experiments were like oil and water, resisting each other fiercely? Those days when academic researchers would sigh despondently at the mention of lab work? 

Well, those days are gone! Welcome to a world where academia and lab work walk hand in hand, thanks to virtual science labs and experimentation platforms. 

This is a realm where learning knows no boundaries, where researchers need not grimace at the thought of a lab, where experiments are but a click away. Sounds like a dream? Let’s dive into this ocean of endless opportunities.

Overview

Virtual lab and experimentation platforms have broken down the traditional barriers of laboratory learning, making them accessible, interactive, and user-friendly.

These platforms offer a plethora of benefits, making them not just a nice-to-have, but a must-have tool for academia. 

They’re the superheroes of the academic world, swooping in to turn potentially complex, daunting lab experiments into engaging, insightful, and accessible activities. 

If you’re still sitting on the fence, let’s take a look at the best of these virtual lab platforms and how they’ve revolutionized learning.

Best Virtual Lab and Experimentation Platforms

#1. PraxiLabs: Best for virtual science lab experiments

Summary

• Immersive virtual reality science labs
• Provides a platform where students can conduct science experiments
• Suitable for both high school and university students

PraxiLabs takes you on a virtual tour of science labs. It’s a magic carpet ride into the realm of science, where academia meets innovation. 

From basic physics to intricate biology, PraxiLabs presents a multitude of experiments, beckoning learners and researchers to a world teeming with virtual possibilities.

What are the benefits of PraxiLabs?

• Wide variety: With labs from different science branches, it offers a broad spectrum of learning.
• Realism: Virtual reality environments offer real-world experimental experience.
• Inclusive: It’s designed to cater to various education levels, ensuring no one is left behind.

PraxiLabs strikes the perfect balance between the theoretical and the practical, morphing the learning space into an academic paradise. This is an essential tool for anyone looking to delve deeper into the secrets of science.

How much does it cost?

• Free
• $44.99 for 6 months
• $74.99 per year

Source: https://praxilabs.com

#2. LearnBrite: Best for VR-ready e-learning experiences

Summary

• Offers VR-ready e-learning modules
• Ensures immersive learning experiences
• Compatible with multiple devices

LearnBrite takes e-learning to a whole new level by providing VR-ready modules. It breathes life into the abstract concepts of academia, presenting them in a vivid and immersive virtual reality environment. 

This tool is like the James Bond of the academic world, transforming mundane lessons into thrilling adventures.

What are the benefits of LearnBrite?

• Immersion: LearnBrite’s VR-based lessons allow students to dive deep into the topic at hand.
• Interactivity: Hands-on modules encourage active learning and retention.
• Device friendly: It’s compatible with a multitude of devices, making learning accessible anytime, anywhere.

If you’re looking for a game-changer in academia, LearnBrite is your answer. It’s a potent blend of technology and learning, fostering an engaging and interactive academic journey.

How much does it cost?

• VR Scenario: $99 per month
• VR Workplace: $799 per month
• VR Campus: Custom price

Source: https://www2.learnbrite.com

#3. LabXchange: Best for customizable science learning

Summary

• Provides a platform for customizable science learning
• Fosters a community of learners and educators
• Collaborative learning environment

Imagine a playground where science and creativity are the best buddies, where you’re the architect of your learning process. 

That’s LabXchange. It’s a platform where academia gets a personal touch, allowing learners to design their own educational journey.

What are the benefits of LabXchange?

• Personalized learning: Learners can customize their own academic pathways, enhancing understanding and interest.
• Collaboration: It facilitates collaborative learning, fostering a vibrant academic community.
• Diversity: LabXchange offers a wide range of science learning modules, catering to diverse interests.

LabXchange shakes up the traditional educational framework, making learning a more personal and engaging process. This is where academia and creativity collide, resulting in a vibrant learning environment.

How much does it cost?

• Free

Source: https://www.labxchange.org

#4. Pivot Interactives: Best for real-world science lab videos

Summary

• Offers real-world science lab videos
• Promotes interactive learning
• Enhances critical thinking

Pivot Interactives is an open ticket to the world of science. It helps academia delve deeper into real-world phenomena through a lens of exploration and discovery.

What are the benefits of Pivot Interactives?

• Real-world understanding: Its videos bring real scientific phenomena into classrooms, enhancing comprehension.
• Interactivity: Students can manipulate videos, fostering active learning.
• Critical thinking: By providing real-world context, it nurtures problem-solving and analytical skills.

Pivot Interactives takes academia on a voyage into the heart of real-world science, transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences. 

It’s a tool that enhances academic understanding and application.

How much does it cost?

• Classroom: $5.50 per seat
• District: Custom price

Source: https://www.pivotinteractives.com

#5. LabSim: Best for IT certification preparation

Summary

• Offers simulation-based learning for IT training
• Provides a risk-free environment for practical application
• Extensive content library for numerous IT certifications

In the cybernetic arena where IT knowledge is a potent weapon, LabSim reigns supreme. This platform propels learners into the realm of IT, where academia meets hands-on experience. 

It takes the abstract principles of IT and spins them into a web of practical, understandable knowledge.

What are the benefits of LabSim?

• Practical application: Enables learners to apply theoretical concepts in a simulated environment.
• Risk-free learning: Provides a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Certification preparation: LabSims’ extensive library aids in preparing for various IT certification exams.

LabSim doesn’t just prepare students for exams; it equips them with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of IT. This is the go-to academic tool for any aspiring IT professional.

How much does it cost?

• Price available on request

Source: https://w3.testout.com

#6. Mel Science: Best for children’s science experiments

Summary

• Provides interactive science experiments for kids
• Encourages curiosity and hands-on learning
• Complements school science curriculum

Mel Science is like a wonderland where kids can indulge their curiosity, learn, and have fun all at once. 

It’s a tool that makes academia exciting for young minds, transforming the usual yawn-inducing lessons into thrilling science adventures.

What are the benefits of Mel Science?

• Interactive learning: Engages young learners with hands-on experiments.
• Curiosity-driven: Encourages kids to question, explore, and learn.
• Complements curriculum: Aligns with school curricula to reinforce classroom learning.

Mel Science is like a kindle for young minds, sparking curiosity and fostering a love for learning. It’s an essential tool in shaping the academia of tomorrow.

How much does it cost?

• $39.90 per month

Source: https://melscience.com

#7. Labster: Best for interactive 3D science simulations

Summary

• Offers a wide range of lab simulations
• Facilitates comprehensive understanding through 3D visualization
• Makes learning more engaging and fun

Picture yourself in a 3D lab, making the most of your lessons, engrossed in a thrilling, lifelike learning experience. 

That’s Labster for you. This tool, with its strikingly real simulations, brings a paradigm shift in academia by bridging the gap between theory and practical.

What are the benefits of Labster?

• Enhances understanding: By using 3D visualization, it ensures a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
• Increases engagement: Interactive learning boosts student engagement and motivation.
• Accessibility: With a digital platform, Labster allows students to experiment without any physical constraints.

Labster transforms laboratory learning from mundane to exciting, paving the way for a more immersive, interactive learning experience. 

It’s not just a tool, it’s an adventure waiting to unfold in the academic world.

How much does it cost?

• Group quote: $79 per student
• Single user: $109

Source: https://www.labster.com

#8. Gizmos: Best for online science and math simulations

Summary

• Provides interactive science and math simulations
• Enhances understanding of complex concepts
• Encourages active learning

Welcome to Gizmos, the platform that turns the potentially daunting world of math and science into an exciting playground of knowledge.

It’s a virtual powerhouse where academia gets an adrenaline rush, making math and science tangible, interactive, and fun.

What are the benefits of Gizmos?

• Conceptual understanding: Its simulations help students grasp complex math and science concepts.
• Active learning: Interactive nature of Gizmos promotes engagement and active learning.
• Versatility: Catering to various grade levels, Gizmos is suitable for a wide range of learners.

Gizmos is not just a tool; it’s a lifeline in the vast ocean of math and science. It takes the abstract nature of these subjects and renders them approachable and engaging.

How much does it cost?

• $1.01 per seat in a month
• $0.84 per seat in 6 months
• $0.79 per seat per year

Source: https://gizmos.explorelearning.com

#9. EON Reality: Best for immersive virtual reality education

Summary

• Provides immersive virtual reality (VR) education experiences
• Offers a wide range of educational content and simulations
• Fosters interactive and engaging learning environments

Step into the world of EON Reality, where education transcends the boundaries of traditional classrooms. 

EON Reality leverages the power of immersive virtual reality to create captivating educational experiences that transport learners into a realm where knowledge and imagination collide.

What are the benefits of EON Reality?

• Immersive learning: Virtual reality technology creates realistic and immersive environments, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
• Extensive content library: EON Reality offers a diverse range of educational content and simulations across various subjects and disciplines.
• Interactive experiences: Learners can actively interact with virtual objects and environments, promoting hands-on learning and exploration.

EON Reality is a gateway to a new era of education, where learners can step into virtual worlds and embark on transformative learning journeys. 

It’s a game-changer that brings education to life, offering endless possibilities for immersive and interactive learning experiences.

How much does it cost?

• Students: $36 per user per month paid yearly
• Teachers: $55 per user per month paid yearly

Source: https://eonreality.com

#10. MERLOT Lab: Best for peer-reviewed online learning materials

Summary

• Offers peer-reviewed learning materials
• Serves as an academic community for sharing resources
• Encourages collaborative learning

MERLOT Lab is a platform where peer-reviewed materials serve as an academic currency. This promotes a culture of shared knowledge and mutual learning.

What are the benefits of MERLOT Lab?

• Quality resources: Peer-reviewed materials ensure reliable and high-quality learning resources.
• Collaboration: The platform promotes exchange of ideas and resources among learners.
• Variety: Offers a wide array of learning materials across different subjects.

MERLOT Lab is the lighthouse guiding academia through the tumultuous sea of information. It’s a haven for researchers, students, and educators, ensuring access to reliable and top-quality learning resources.

How much does it cost?

• Not provided

Source: https://virtuallabs.merlot.org

#11. Pearson MyLab: Best for personalized digital learning

Summary

• Offers personalized digital learning experiences
• Tracks and adapts to students’ progress
• Integrates with many academic institutions’ systems

Pearson MyLab is like a tailor for academia, carefully crafting learning experiences to fit each student’s unique needs. It’s a platform where learning gets personal, enabling students to learn at their own pace and style.

What are the benefits of Pearson MyLab?

• Personalization: Tailors the learning experience based on each student’s progress and understanding.
• Progress tracking: Keeps tabs on the student’s performance and adapts the learning material accordingly.
• Seamless integration: Works harmoniously with academic institutions’ systems for a smooth learning experience.

Pearson MyLab isn’t just a learning platform; it’s an academic companion that adapts to students’ learning curves. This is the secret weapon for any student aiming for academic success.

How much does it cost?

• $10.99 per month

Source: https://mlm.pearson.com

#12. ChemCollective: Best for online chemistry activities

Summary

• Offers a variety of online chemistry activities
• Facilitates interactive and hands-on learning
• Covers a wide range of chemistry concepts

Chemistry can be a volatile subject, but with ChemCollective, it becomes an exhilarating adventure. 

This platform invites learners into a fully-equipped virtual laboratory, where they can explore the captivating world of chemistry through interactive activities and experiments.

What are the benefits of ChemCollective?

• Interactive learning: Engages students through hands-on virtual chemistry activities.
• Conceptual understanding: Reinforces chemistry concepts through practical application.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers a wide range of topics, catering to various learning needs.

ChemCollective transforms the often intimidating realm of chemistry into an accessible and enjoyable journey. It’s a catalyst for academic success in the realm of chemistry.

How much does it cost?

• Not provided on the platform

Source: https://chemcollective.org

#13. PhET Interactive Simulations: Best for science and math simulations

Summary

• Provides interactive science and math simulations
• Covers a wide range of topics
• Promotes inquiry-based learning

PhET Interactive Simulations is like a virtual playground for science and math enthusiasts. 

This platform is a treasure trove of interactive simulations that breathe life into abstract concepts, allowing learners to explore, experiment, and uncover the wonders of the scientific and mathematical realms.

What are the benefits of PhET Interactive Simulations?

• Inquiry-based learning: Encourages exploration and inquiry, fostering a deeper understanding.
• Versatility: Covers a wide range of scientific and mathematical topics, catering to diverse needs.
• Engagement: Interactive simulations captivate learners, promoting active participation.

PhET Interactive Simulations is the magician’s hat that pulls out captivating scientific and mathematical experiences. It’s a tool that transforms passive learning into an active and engaging adventure.

How much does it cost?

• Free

Source: https://www.colorado.edu

#14. Lab4Physics: Best for physics learning with everyday materials

Summary

• Focuses on physics experiments using everyday materials
• Promotes hands-on and practical physics learning
• Allows students conducting science experiments to engage in real-world applications of physics

Lab4Physics brings physics out of the textbooks and into the real world, making it tangible and relatable. 

It offers a collection of experiments that can be conducted using everyday materials, allowing students to explore the fundamental principles of physics through hands-on learning.

What are the benefits of Lab4Physics?

• Practical application: Encourages students to connect physics concepts with real-world phenomena.
• Accessibility: Utilizes everyday materials, making experiments accessible and affordable.
• Engagement: Hands-on experiments foster active participation and enhance understanding.

Lab4Physics is a bridge that connects the theoretical concepts of physics with real-world applications. It’s an invaluable tool for aspiring physicists, empowering them to explore and experiment with the laws of the universe.

How much does it cost?

• $45.99 for each user per six months

Source: https://lab4u.co

#15. zSpace: Best for interactive AR/VR education experiences

Summary

• Provides interactive augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences
• Enhances engagement and comprehension
• Covers various subjects and disciplines

zSpace is where education transcends traditional boundaries and becomes an immersive and interactive adventure. 

This platform harnesses the power of augmented reality and virtual reality, revolutionizing the learning experience and transporting learners to captivating virtual worlds.

What are the benefits of zSpace?

• Immersive learning: AR/VR experiences captivate learners, promoting deeper engagement and understanding.
• Multidisciplinary approach: Covers various subjects, expanding the horizons of academic exploration.
• Experiential learning: Encourages learners to actively participate and interact with virtual environments.

zSpace is the gateway to a new dimension of learning, where imagination meets the current teaching methodology. It’s a powerful tool that ignites curiosity, sparks creativity, and immerses learners in a transformative educational experience.

How much does it cost?

• Price available upon request

Source: https://zspace.com

Conclusion

In the realm of academia, virtual labs and experimentation platforms have emerged as the superheroes of learning. They have shattered the barriers of traditional laboratory experiences, making education interactive, accessible, and engaging. 

From interactive 3D simulations to personalized digital learning, these virtual science lab apps have revolutionized the way we approach academia. 

With a myriad of options available, educators and learners alike now have the power to explore, experiment, and unlock the boundless possibilities of knowledge in medicine, math, or even Earth science.

Embrace these virtual tools and embark on a journey where learning knows no limits. The future of education has arrived, and it’s virtual, immersive, and captivating.