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Software · head to head

Labster vs Canvas

Labster logo

Labster

Software

Virtual science labs for immersive learning

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Canvas logo

Canvas

Software

Open-source LMS for engaging learning experiences

From
$5/student-year
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Labster customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes; Canvas basic analytics lack predictive intelligence or advanced student success insights
  • They diverge on capability: Labster covers Virtual simulations, Canvas covers Course management.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Labster and Canvas actually diverge.

Attributes where Labster and Canvas differ
AttributeLabsterCanvas
Starting priceOn request$5/student-year
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWebWeb, iOS, Android
Founded20112008

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Labster

  • Virtual simulations
  • 3D environments
  • Theory pages
  • Lab reports
  • Progress tracking
  • Mobile access
  • Multiplayer
  • Canvas

Only in Canvas

  • Course management
  • Assignment submission
  • Gradebook
  • Discussion forums
  • Mobile app
  • Video conferencing
  • Analytics
  • Zoom

Both cover

  • Quizzes
  • Web support
  • IOS support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Labster

  • Virtual labsnot Canvas
  • Pre-lab preparationnot Canvas
  • Supplemental learningnot Canvas
  • Remote educationnot Canvas

Canvas

  • Online coursesnot Labster
  • Blended learningnot Labster
  • Course managementnot Labster
  • Student assessmentnot Labster

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Labster

  • Customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes
  • Simulations can lag or freeze depending on operating system and connection speed
  • Cannot fully replace hands-on physical lab experience and data collection
  • Students report preference for tactile physical lab experience over virtual simulations

Canvas

  • Basic analytics lack predictive intelligence or advanced student success insights
  • Course structure is traditional and may not support competency-based or adaptive learning paths without supplementary tools

Pricing, plan by plan

Labster

On request
  • Student Access$49/month
    • Course simulations
    • Mobile access
    • Progress tracking
  • Institution$undefined/month
    • All simulations
    • LMS integration
    • Analytics
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Custom content
    • API access
    • Priority support

Canvas

$5/student-year

No published plan breakdown. See the Canvas review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Labster if

  • You need virtual simulations.
  • You also want 3d environments.
Labster review

Choose Canvas if

  • You need course management.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want assignment submission.
Canvas review

Questions people ask

Is Labster or Canvas better?
Neither clearly leads. Labster starts at On request and Canvas at $5/student-year, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Labster or Canvas?
Labster starts at On request and Canvas at $5/student-year.
Does Labster or Canvas run on more platforms?
Labster runs on Web. Canvas runs on Web, iOS, Android.
What is Labster best used for?
Labster is most often used for virtual labs, pre-lab preparation, supplemental learning, remote education. Of those, virtual labs and pre-lab preparation are not what Canvas is typically brought in for.
What can Labster do that Canvas cannot?
Labster covers Virtual simulations, 3D environments, Theory pages, Lab reports. Canvas covers Course management, Assignment submission, Gradebook, Discussion forums. Both handle Quizzes, Web support, IOS support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Labster: What STEM subjects does Labster cover?

Labster provides interactive 3D simulations across biology, chemistry, physics, and other STEM subjects, designed for university, college, and high school students.

Canvas: Does Canvas work offline?

Canvas has launched offline access for its student mobile app, allowing students to view pre-selected course content without internet. However, offline access is view-only and submissions require reconnecting to the internet.

Source
Labster: How many students has Labster served?

Labster has served over 6 million students and thousands of institutions globally with its virtual lab simulations.

Canvas: What integrations does Canvas support?

Canvas supports hundreds of external applications through its App Center using LTI standards, including video platforms, plagiarism detection tools, and digital textbooks through a standardized integration framework.

Source
Canvas: How does Canvas handle course analytics?

Canvas provides built-in reporting that covers grades and student engagement, but lacks predictive analytics or advanced student success insights that some institutions require.

Source
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