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Education · head to head

Labster vs Memrise

Labster logo

Labster

Education

Virtual science labs for immersive learning

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Memrise logo

Memrise

Education

Vocabulary and spaced repetition language app built around video clips of native speakers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Memrise has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Labster customization is limited and labs cannot be easily adapted to specific course learning outcomes; Memrise the free tier caps daily reviews tightly enough that consistent vocabulary building in practice requires the Pro subscription.
  • They diverge on capability: Labster covers Virtual simulations, Memrise covers Spaced repetition flashcards.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Labster and Memrise actually diverge.

Attributes where Labster and Memrise differ
AttributeLabsterMemrise
Starting priceOn requestFree
Pricing modelsubscriptionFree with a Pro subscription
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWebiOS, Android, Web
Founded2011Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Education).

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
  • Quizzes
  • Lab reports
  • Progress tracking
  • Mobile access
  • Multiplayer

Only in Memrise

  • Spaced repetition flashcards
  • Learn with Locals videos
  • Official courses
  • Speaking practice
  • Offline mode
  • Grammar bot

What people use each for

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

Labster

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

Memrise

  • A learner who wants vocabulary tied to real spoken usage through native speaker video rather than only text flashcardsnot Labster
  • Someone using a grammar-focused course elsewhere and wanting Memrise purely for vocabulary retentionnot Labster
  • A traveller wanting practical phrase recognition for a specific trip rather than formal fluencynot Labster
  • A learner comparing subscription convenience against building free custom decks in Ankinot 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

Memrise

  • The free tier caps daily reviews tightly enough that consistent vocabulary building in practice requires the Pro subscription.
  • Memrise phased out much of its earlier community-created course library in favour of official courses, so learners who relied on community decks for less common languages lost access to that content.
  • It teaches vocabulary and set phrases well but offers comparatively thin grammar instruction, so it works best as a companion to a grammar-focused course rather than a standalone method.
  • Language coverage for the flagship Learn with Locals video feature and speaking practice is uneven, concentrated in a handful of popular languages.
  • Unlike Anki, the spaced repetition algorithm and content are closed and cannot be customised or exported, so a learner cannot take their review data to another tool.

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

Memrise

Free
  • Memrise Pro$8.99/month
    • Free tier allows basic vocabulary practice with daily limits and ads
    • Pro unlocks Learn with Locals videos, full official courses and offline mode
    • Annual Pro plans typically run $69.99 to $89.99, cheaper per month than monthly billing

Which should you pick?

Choose Labster if

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

Choose Memrise if

  • You need spaced repetition flashcards.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android, Web.
  • You also want learn with locals videos.
Memrise review

Questions people ask

Is Labster or Memrise better?
Neither clearly leads. Labster starts at On request and Memrise at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Labster or Memrise?
Memrise has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at On request for Labster and Free for Memrise.
Does Labster or Memrise run on more platforms?
Labster runs on Web. Memrise runs on iOS, Android, Web.
Can I use Memrise for free?
Yes. Memrise has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Labster starts at On request.
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 Memrise is typically brought in for.
What can Labster do that Memrise cannot?
Labster covers Virtual simulations, 3D environments, Theory pages, Quizzes. Memrise covers Spaced repetition flashcards, Learn with Locals videos, Official courses, Speaking practice.

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.

Memrise: Is Memrise free?

A limited amount of vocabulary practice is free with daily caps and ads. Learn with Locals videos, full courses and offline mode require Memrise Pro.

Labster: How many students has Labster served?

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

Memrise: What is Learn with Locals?

Short video clips of native speakers using vocabulary and phrases in real settings, intended to show how language is actually spoken rather than textbook delivery.

Memrise: Can I still use community-created courses?

Memrise moved away from most of its earlier community course library toward its own official courses, so availability of community content is now limited.

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