# Explain 3D vs DIY Solar System

The clearest difference is review sentiment: DIY Solar System at 100% against Explain 3D's 0%. DIY Solar System also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.7) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Explain 3D's advantage is iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Explain 3D sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. DIY Solar System asks for nothing beyond the download.

DIY Solar System holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 7 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Explain 3D's written reviews are positive against 100% of DIY Solar System's.

Explain 3D ships an update every 5 months, DIY Solar System every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explain 3D | DIY Solar System |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.7 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explain-3d-explore-the-solar-system-free/id1051361866/reviews) | **[4.5 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-solar-system/id1644242890/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **17** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 205 MB | 180 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Explain 3D](https://appshunter.io/developer/1019479194) | [The Lawrence Hall of Science](https://appshunter.io/developer/462994550) |

## 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 |


### DIY Solar System

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/diy-solar-system/id1644242890)

Explore the solar system with interactive activities and an augmented reality planet walk. Learn about space travel, design a moon base, and identify celestial objects. Developed by leading science institutions, this app makes learning about space engaging for families and educators.

**Highlights:** Interactive space activities, Augmented reality planet walk, Design a moon base, Grow a space garden, Control a Mars rover, In or Out space game, NASA imagery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explain 3D free?

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

### Is DIY Solar System free?

DIY Solar System is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Explain 3D or DIY Solar System?

DIY Solar System is rated higher. Explain 3D averages 2.7 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while DIY Solar System averages 4.5 from 17 ratings.

### Do Explain 3D or DIY Solar System have ads?

Neither Explain 3D nor DIY Solar System shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Explain 3D or DIY Solar System?

Explain 3D ships an update every 5 months, and DIY Solar System every 2 months. Most recently, Explain 3D was updated on October 22, 2026 and DIY Solar System on October 24, 2026.

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