Overview

Launched in 2001 as an online science museum project, myPhysicsLab pairs real-time animations with explanations of how many of its models work mathematically. Users can drag objects and alter parameters such as gravity, making abstract mechanics more approachable than a static illustration. But the simulations do not prescribe measurement units: anyone comparing values or explaining results must establish a consistent interpretation within each model.

Key features

Broad set of examples: Around 50 simulations cover pendulums, springs, collisions, roller coasters, billiards, molecular models, and rigid-body motion. The range gives students and instructors useful material across mechanics topics, though it is a library of interactive examples rather than a general-purpose physics package.
Customization and sharing: EasyScript or JavaScript lets users modify models in a browser with a text editor. The share button encodes an EasyScript setup in a URL, so a learner can pass along a particular configuration without asking the next person to recreate it manually.
Access to numeric data: VarsHistory, JavaScript, and collision-data scripts provide ways to retrieve simulation values. That makes the examples more useful for investigation and coding than visual exploration alone, though interpreting the results still depends on users keeping their chosen units consistent.
Offline and open-source use: Downloadable versions support offline demonstrations, and the Apache 2.0 source is available on GitHub. Building from source requires TypeScript, esbuild, Perl, and GNU Make, a meaningful hurdle for users who want to work on the code rather than simply run the simulations.

Pricing

myPhysicsLab is free and open source: the Free and open source plan costs 0.00 USD per free and includes browser simulations, Apache 2.0 source code, and downloadable versions for offline use. There is no paid tier or free trial to weigh against that plan. It suits students, teachers, and developers looking for a no-cost model library, but teams seeking a priced support or service package should look elsewhere.

Platforms

The hybrid delivery model combines web access with downloadable, offline versions. The platform list includes Linux, macOS, and Windows, as well as self-hosted use. That mix helps educators who need to present simulations without an internet connection, while source builds call for a development toolchain rather than just an installed app.

Who it's for

Choose myPhysicsLab for classroom demonstrations, self-guided study, or small programming projects where interactive mechanics examples and readable mathematical explanations matter more than formal units. Its authoring tools and data access also make it relevant to developers adapting models. It is a less natural fit for users who need simulations with fixed measurement conventions or a broader, general-purpose physics workflow.

Pros and cons

Pro: Explanations accompany most simulations, helping learners connect an animation to the mathematics behind it.
Pro: EasyScript, JavaScript, URL sharing, and numeric data access support customization, collaboration, and analysis without a paid plan.
Pro: Downloadable versions and Apache 2.0 licensing support offline demonstrations and open-source reuse.
Con: Dimensionless units require users to define and apply their own consistent interpretation, which can complicate comparisons or teaching examples that depend on standard measurements.
Con: Building from source requires several developer tools, so modifying the underlying software is less accessible than using the browser simulations.

Alternatives

For more tools in this category, browse Physics Simulation Software.

SimFlow is worth considering for Linux, macOS, Windows, or web users who want a freemium option with a free plan and trial; myPhysicsLab instead offers its full stated plan at no cost and includes downloadable simulations.
COMSOL Multiphysics may suit users prepared to pursue a paid commercial or academic license with custom pricing and a free trial; myPhysicsLab is the simpler choice when free, open-source examples are enough.
OpenSim is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with an API; its download requires a SimTK account. Choose between them based on the platform and workflow you need.
SimScale offers a web-based community plan for testing and learning, with selected analysis types, 10 unrestricted simulations, and up to 3,000 core hours. It may fit users whose work suits those limits; myPhysicsLab is free of those stated simulation and core-hour caps.
Ansys Fluent is a paid alternative with a Try Fluent Today option.
Open Source Physics is a free alternative available on web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
OpenFOAM is a free option for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Xcos is free, open-source software distributed with Scilab for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Verdict

myPhysicsLab is a strong choice for learners, teachers, and developers who want free, adaptable mechanics simulations with mathematical explanations and offline access. Its main advantage is that users can explore, customize, and share models without paying; look elsewhere if dimensionless values are unsuitable for your work or you need a different kind of physics workflow.

	myPhysicsLab	PySDM
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Web, Windows	—
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Delivery mode	hybrid	hybrid
Lesson library	Yes	Yes
Authoring tools	Yes	Yes
3D visuals	No	—
Offline access	Yes	—
Data export	Yes	Yes

myPhysicsLab vs PySDM

myPhysicsLab

PySDM