App guide

The best apps to learn chemistry, from first atoms to reactions you can try safely

Knowverse is first because its chemistry courses explain one idea at a time with visual flows and reveal cards, then bring the ideas back as flashcards and quizzes, Khan Academy is the pick for free chemistry videos and exercises with hints, Chemistry. Periodic table. AI for an interactive periodic table with 3D models, an equation solver and an AI tutor, Periodic Table: Chemistry 2026 for a detailed element and isotope reference with a molar mass calculator, Unreal Chemist for virtual experiments.

Homework solver apps are left out on purpose. This guide focuses on tools that teach concepts, reinforce recall, and let you explore reactions safely.

Knowverse is our own app. We rank it first for this need and explain why. Details about the other apps come from their App Store listings, checked on 2026-11-06.

The short list

RankAppBest forPriceApp Store rating
1Knowverse - Learn in minutesStructured daily chemistry studyFree downloadNew app, no ratings yet
2Khan AcademySelf‑paced school‑style chemistryFree download4.6 ★ (112,990 ratings)
3Chemistry. Periodic table. AIQuick element lookup and solvingFree download4.9 ★ (2,753 ratings)
4Periodic Table: Chemistry 2026In‑depth periodic table referenceFree download4.8 ★ (5,450 ratings)
5Unreal ChemistSafe virtual chemistry experimentsFree download4.5 ★ (68 ratings)

How we ranked them

We ranked apps by how well they explain concepts step by step, make you recall and practice, and support the periodic table and reactions. Preference went to tools that teach rather than just look up data, work on iPhone, and are free to start. Homework solver apps were excluded because they focus on answers instead of understanding.

1Knowverse app icon

Knowverse - Learn in minutes

Thomas Rossi Mel · Free download · New app, no ratings yet

Knowverse delivers step‑by‑step chemistry courses with active recall and daily streaks.

Knowverse is a chemistry app that offers step‑by‑step chemistry courses across 17 subjects, presenting one idea at a time with visual flows and reveal cards. Flashcards, quizzes and exercises make you actively recall key ideas and revisit them over time, while daily streaks encourage a habit. The app runs on iPhone and iPad, is free to download, and is English only. As a new release it has no ratings yet.

Good

  • Step‑by‑step lessons across 17 subjects
  • Active recall with flashcards and quizzes
  • Daily streaks keep momentum

Less good

  • New app, no ratings yet
  • English only, iOS only

Best for: Structured daily chemistry study

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2Khan Academy app icon

Khan Academy

Khan Academy · Free download · 4.6 ★ (112,990 ratings)

Khan Academy offers free video lessons and practice with a mastery system.

Khan Academy helps you learn chemistry for beginners with a free library of chemistry videos, interactive exercises and articles. Practice problems give instant feedback with step‑by‑step hints, and a mastery system recommends the next skill to try. A free account syncs progress across devices. The experience feels like a traditional class rather than a short daily session.

Good

  • Free video library with practice exercises
  • Mastery system suggests next skills

Less good

  • Feels like a traditional class

Best for: Self‑paced school‑style chemistry

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3Chemistry. Periodic table. AI app icon

Chemistry. Periodic table. AI

Denis Chashchin · Free download · 4.9 ★ (2,753 ratings)

Chemistry. Periodic table. AI provides an interactive table, equation solver and AI tutor.

Chemistry. Periodic table. AI is a periodic table app that delivers an interactive periodic table with 3D element models, a chemical equation solver, a molar mass calculator and an AI tutor that explains concepts. Augmented reality views and home‑screen widgets let you explore elements visually. The app works on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro and is free to download. It also includes a solubility table and electronegativity series.

Good

  • Interactive 3D periodic table
  • Equation solver and AI tutor

Less good

  • Reference tool only, no guided course

Best for: Quick element lookup and solving

View on the App Store
4Periodic Table app icon

Periodic Table: Chemistry 2026

Nikita Chernykh · Free download · 4.8 ★ (5,450 ratings)

Periodic Table: Chemistry 2026 gives deep element data, isotopes and reaction details.

Periodic Table: Chemistry 2026 is a chemistry learning app that presents an interactive periodic table with filters, color themes and detailed element cards. It lists over 3300 searchable isotopes, a molar mass calculator, a chemistry dictionary, reactions with conditions, a solubility chart and orbital models. Favorites, notes and comparison tools help organize information. The listing says there are no ads.

Good

  • Detailed element cards with 3300 isotopes
  • Molar mass calculator and reaction data

Less good

  • Reference only, no guided lessons

Best for: In‑depth periodic table reference

View on the App Store
5Unreal Chemist app icon

Unreal Chemist

Zipo Apps Ltd. · Free download · 4.5 ★ (68 ratings)

Unreal Chemist lets you run safe virtual experiments with adjustable conditions.

Unreal Chemist acts as a virtual chemistry lab letting you run virtual chemistry experiments by mixing over 150 chemicals across over 750 simulations. You can burn salts to see flame colors, adjust concentration and temperature, slow down or speed up time, and check pH with indicators. The listing notes some reactions may be theoretical. It is a safe way to explore reactions without a lab.

Good

  • Mix 150 chemicals in 750 simulations
  • Adjust concentration, temperature, and time

Less good

  • Some reactions theoretical, theory lessons absent

Best for: Safe virtual chemistry experiments

View on the App Store

Questions people ask

Which app is best for learning chemistry concepts step by step?

Knowverse breaks each topic into one idea at a time, uses visual flows, reveal cards, flashcards, quizzes and exercises to build understanding gradually. Daily streaks keep the habit steady and the content covers 17 subjects including chemistry.

Can I practice chemical equations on my phone?

Chemistry. Periodic table. AI includes a chemical equation solver and a molar mass calculator, while Unreal Chemist lets you run virtual reactions with adjustable concentration, temperature and time. Both apps are free to download on iOS.

Are any of these apps free to download?

All five apps are free to download on the App Store. Check each listing for in‑app purchases before you commit.

Choosing the right chemistry app depends on whether you want guided lessons, a reference table, or a safe virtual lab. Knowverse builds knowledge step by step, Khan Academy offers a classroom feel, Chemistry. Periodic table. AI solves equations, Periodic Table: Chemistry 2026 supplies deep data, and Unreal Chemist lets you experiment without risk. Try one that matches your learning style.

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Sources

Sources: Apple App Store listings, checked 2026-11-06. Prices, ratings and features come from each app’s App Store listing on that date and can change.