Alternatives to PhET Interactive Simulations
Free interactive physics, chemistry and math simulations usable directly in the browser. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
PhET Interactive Simulations
Free interactive physics, chemistry and math simulations usable directly in the browser.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as PhET Interactive Simulations.
Algodoo
A 2D physics sandbox where you draw objects and watch them move, collide and interact.
Algodoo is a 2D physics sandbox for macOS and iOS where you draw objects yourself, covering physics only rather than PhET's browser simulations across physics, chemistry and math.
Step
A KDE interactive physics simulator for building two-dimensional experiments and watching them evolve.
Step is an open-source KDE physics simulator for Linux that lets you build 2D experiments and edit properties while running, but it covers physics only and needs installing.
Falstad Circuit Simulator
Explore electronic circuits through an interactive browser simulation.
Falstad Circuit Simulator is open source under GPL-2.0 and runs in the browser, but it covers only electronic circuits rather than PhET's broad physics, chemistry and math range.
GeoGebra
Free interactive math tools for graphing, geometry, 3D, algebra and calculus, used in browsers and apps.
GeoGebra offers interactive math tools for graphing, geometry and algebra in browsers and on Android and iOS, but it has no physics or chemistry simulations.
Desmos
Free online graphing, scientific, geometry and 3D calculators, plus a math notebook.
Desmos gives free graphing, geometry and 3D calculators in the browser, focused on math exploration rather than physics and chemistry simulations.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
Universe Sandbox
A physics-based space simulator for experimenting with gravity, collisions, climate and stellar evolution.
Khan Academy
A free nonprofit learning platform with interactive lessons, videos and practice exercises across many subjects.
Kolibri
An offline-first learning platform that serves a library of educational content from a local machine, with no internet needed to use it.
Avogadro
A free, open-source molecular editor and 3D viewer for chemistry teaching and research.
Stellarium
A planetarium on your screen showing exactly what is in the sky above you, tonight or on any date you choose.
Google Earth
A free 3D globe with high-resolution imagery, historical imagery layers and guided Voyager stories.
