phyphox icon
Phyphox: Your Pocket Physics Laboratory for iOS

by RWTH Aachen University

4.6
IOSEducation
If you need a practical tool for physics education, Phyphox turns your iPhone into a versatile data acquisition device. This app utilizes built-in sensors to perform experiments ranging from simple motion tracking to complex acoustic analysis, making it a valuable resource for both classroom and independent learning.

Detailed Review

Phyphox, developed by RWTH Aachen University, is a mobile application designed to convert smartphones into portable physics laboratories. By tapping into the array of sensors embedded in modern iPhones, it enables users to conduct a wide range of scientific experiments without specialized hardware. In the educational app market, it stands out as a no-cost solution that bridges theoretical concepts with hands-on practice, offering an alternative to traditional lab equipment for schools and individuals. The app's core functionality revolves around real-time data acquisition from sensors including the accelerometer, gyroscope, light sensor, and microphone. Pre-configured experiments, such as determining local gravity through free-fall measurements or analyzing pendulum oscillations, guide users through common physics principles. Data can be recorded, plotted, and exported in CSV format for further analysis, supporting both qualitative observation and quantitative study. Additional features include customizable experiment setups and integration with external sensors via Bluetooth, though these require some technical familiarity to optimize. In practical use, Phyphox offers an intuitive interface that simplifies sensor access, though some initial familiarization with the experiment setups is required. Real-world applications extend beyond classrooms; for instance, enthusiasts can measure the acceleration of a car ride or assess the acoustic properties of different environments. However, the accuracy of results depends on the smartphone model and sensor calibration, which may vary between devices. Users report that while the app performs reliably in controlled settings, outdoor experiments might be affected by environmental factors like wind or uneven surfaces. With a rating of 4.59556 out of 5, Phyphox receives high marks from its user base, though detailed reviews are scarce. Feedback trends suggest that educators value its ability to demonstrate physics phenomena in engaging ways, while students appreciate the immediate feedback from experiments. Some users report minor issues with data stability on older iOS versions, but overall, the app is praised for its reliability and educational impact. A common note is that the free nature of the app makes it accessible, but occasional app updates can introduce small bugs that are typically resolved quickly. Phyphox presents a compelling tool for experimental physics, offering accessibility and innovation at no cost. Its main strengths lie in sensor integration and educational relevance, but limitations include sensor precision constraints and a focus that may not appeal to casual users. For those invested in science education, it represents a significant advancement in mobile learning technology, though it works best as a supplement rather than a replacement for professional laboratory equipment.

Key Features

  • Accelerometer-based experiments: Measures motion and gravity, allowing real-time tracking of acceleration for activities like free fall or vehicle movement, with data visualization tools.
  • Acoustic analysis tools: Utilizes the microphone to analyze sound frequency and amplitude, useful for wave physics studies and noise level assessments in various environments.
  • Pre-set experiment templates: Includes guided setups for common physics demonstrations, such as pendulum periods or magnetic field detection, reducing setup time for educators.
  • Data export capabilities: Enables saving results as CSV files or sharing via cloud services, facilitating further analysis and integration into reports or presentations.
  • Custom experiment creation: Offers flexibility to configure new sensor combinations and parameters, catering to advanced users with specific research or educational needs.
  • Educational integration: Provides resources and lesson plans aligned with curricula, supporting teachers in classroom implementation and student-led projects.

Why Users Love It

Free access to advanced physics experiments
Real-time sensor data for hands-on learning

Perfect for: Ideal for high school and university physics students, educators, and science hobbyists seeking practical experimentation tools.

Screenshots

phyphox screenshot 1phyphox screenshot 2phyphox screenshot 3phyphox screenshot 4

Ranking History

Track phyphox's performance in Education over the last 30 days

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Current Rank

#21

Best Rank

#21

All-time high

Average Rank

#22

30-day average

User Reviews

Ňųğġęť
Oct 6, 2025

I don’t use this app enough, it’s truly underrated and fun to mess around with. So awesome I don’t use this app enough, it’s truly underrated and fun to mess around with.

AKChad
Aug 9, 2025

This app is perfect for logging the sensor data and exporting. I like that it has a custom experiment setup to choose which sensors to include and recording rate. Perfect. Perfect This app is perfect for logging the sensor data and exporting. I like that it has a custom experiment setup to choose which sensors to include and recording rate. Perfect.

Kikuša
Jan 31, 2021

Super application, very detailed and in the language of my tiny country in the EU, detailed, clear and simple and at the same time extremely sophisticated and with incredible details of explanation units and more, and moreover absolutely without ads ... Nice, good Super application, very detailed and in the language of my tiny country in the EU, detailed, clear and simple and at the same time extremely sophisticated and with incredible details of explanation units and more, and moreover absolutely without ads ...

Octo Chara
Jan 11, 2021

The app is very cool and I’m greatly enjoying it. Very cool The app is very cool and I’m greatly enjoying it.

shcmsn
Apr 19, 2020

This app has functionality for every sensor in my phone... even ones I didn’t know I had! I especially enjoy the Everyday Life applications like the “Applause Meter”. All in all, this app is for those who cannot access scientific sensors for their projects by unlocking the various sensors in one’s phone. Great job. Amazing! This app has functionality for every sensor in my phone... even ones I didn’t know I had! I especially enjoy the Everyday Life applications like the “Applause Meter”. All in all, this app is for those who cannot access scientific sensors for their projects by unlocking the various sensors in one’s phone. Great job.

App Details

Developer

RWTH Aachen University

Platform

ios

Rating

4.6

Last Updated

12/13/2025