MEL Science review

MEL Science is the most lab-like option on this list. Parents choose from five subjects, each with an age floor: STEM from 5, Math and Physics from 8, Chemistry from 10 and Medicine from 14, and can mix subjects or add kits for a second child. MEL says it offers more than 100 hands-on kits and more than 50 digital experiences, and the app walks kids through each experiment with interactive video instructions, with VR and AR lessons on top. Safety is documented in its FAQ: kits comply with US CPSC requirements for educational sets, the chemistry kits use substances on the European EN 71-4 list, and none include explosives. Pricing starts at $29.90 per month, and the annual plan gives 12 months for the price of 8. The limits are the age floors, which make it a poor fit under 8 outside the STEM line, and the reliance on the app for instructions. Kits cannot be bought one at a time.

Who it is for

kids 8 and up who want real chemistry and physics experiments

Price

From $29.90 per month; annual plan gives 12 months for the price of 8.

Subscription starts at $29.90/month.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Subjects: STEM 5+, Math 8+, Physics 8+, Chemistry 10+ and Medicine 14+
• 100+ hands-on kits and 50+ digital experiences, including VR and AR lessons
• Interactive app guides kids through each kit step by step
• Mix and match subjects, or add kits for a second child
• Pause or cancel at any time with one click in My Account

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Only box here with a dedicated chemistry subject
• Strength: Kits comply with US CPSC requirements for educational sets, according to MEL
• Strength: Annual plan gives 12 months for the price of 8
• Weakness: Most subjects start at age 8 or 10, so it suits older kids
• Weakness: Gets the most out of the app and VR content, which means some screen time
• Weakness: Kits cannot be bought separately, according to MEL's FAQ

Key facts

• Ages: 5+ to 14+, by subject
• Price: From $29.90 per month
• Delivery: Monthly
• Subjects: STEM, Math, Physics, Chemistry, Medicine
• Digital: App, VR and AR lessons

Where it ranks

MEL Science is No. 3 in our Best STEM Subscription Boxes verdict.