# Explain 3D vs Encyclopedia

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Encyclopedia at 83% against Explain 3D's 0%. Encyclopedia also leads on rating (3.8 vs 2.7) and update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). Explain 3D's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Explain 3D sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Encyclopedia sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Encyclopedia holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Explain 3D's written reviews are positive against 83% of Encyclopedia's.

Explain 3D ships an update every 5 months, Encyclopedia monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explain 3D | Encyclopedia |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explain-3d-explore-the-solar-system-free/id1051361866/reviews) | **[3.8 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encyclopedia-solar-system/id1124568774/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **14** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 205 MB | 322 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Explain 3D](https://appshunter.io/developer/1019479194) | [Good Spider, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1487595667) |

## What reviewers say

### Explain 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explain-3d-explore-the-solar-system-free/id1051361866)

Explore the solar system and universe in a 3D environment with realistic models and animations. Learn about planets and spacecrafts, with an option to suggest new simulations. The free version offers basic solar system data, while the full version unlocks more celestial bodies and spacecrafts.

**Highlights:** Interactive 3D environment, Realistic 3D models and animations, Planet and spacecraft descriptions, Engaging educational content, Suggest simulation tool, Full version with expanded content

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all simulations | $3.99 | one-time |


### Encyclopedia

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encyclopedia-solar-system/id1124568774)

Explore the solar system with extensive articles and high-definition images. This app offers comprehensive information, engaging content, and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both children and adults interested in space.

**Highlights:** Thousands of articles and HD photos, Comprehensive solar system information, Engaging and easy-to-understand content, Offline availability, Badge collection for reading, Intuitive user interface

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explain 3D free?

Explain 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Encyclopedia free?

Encyclopedia is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Explain 3D or Encyclopedia?

Encyclopedia is rated higher. Explain 3D averages 2.7 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Encyclopedia averages 3.8 from 14 ratings.

### Do Explain 3D or Encyclopedia have ads?

Neither Explain 3D nor Encyclopedia shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Explain 3D or Encyclopedia?

Explain 3D ships an update every 5 months, and Encyclopedia monthly. Most recently, Explain 3D was updated on October 13, 2026 and Encyclopedia on October 4, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*