# GLOBE Observer vs Zooniverse

The clearest difference is rating: Zooniverse at 3.7 against GLOBE Observer's 3.1. Zooniverse also leads on review sentiment (59% vs 34%). GLOBE Observer's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Zooniverse holds the better App Store score, 3.7 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 86 and 37 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of GLOBE Observer's written reviews are positive against 59% of Zooniverse's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GLOBE Observer | Zooniverse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751/reviews) | **[3.7 (37 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zooniverse/id1194130243/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **86** | 37 |
| Positive reviews | 33.9% of reviews | **58.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) | [Zooniverse](https://appshunter.io/developer/1851894671) |

## What reviewers say

### GLOBE Observer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751)

Contribute to real scientific research by making environmental observations. Document clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees using your mobile device. Your data supports scientists worldwide, including NASA and NOAA.

**Highlights:** Make environmental observations, Document clouds, Map mosquito habitats, Record land cover, Measure tree height, Contribute to scientific research

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for citizen science
- 💡 Educational and informative
- 👍 Easy to use (for some)
- 👍 Meaningful environmental measurements
- 👍 Fun and engaging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Login/update issues
- 🐛 Account creation problems
- 🐛 Observations not submitting
- 🐛 Poor UI/UX design

**Reported bugs**

- Checking for updates loop
- 504 error on account creation
- Fails after step 5 in account creation
- Robot verification loop
- App crashes on opening

**Requested features**

- Improve UI/UX design
- Add dark mode
- Better translation
- Notifications for satellite flyovers
- Integrate with WorldView or Google Earth


### Zooniverse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zooniverse/id1194130243)

Participate in real scientific research by classifying data for projects across various disciplines. Contribute to discoveries and datasets that advance knowledge, all from your mobile device. This platform connects volunteers with professional researchers for impactful citizen science.

**Highlights:** People-powered research platform, Volunteer opportunities, Access to mobile-friendly projects, Push notification updates, View publications, Contribute to scientific discoveries

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GLOBE Observer free?

GLOBE Observer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Zooniverse free?

Zooniverse is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, GLOBE Observer or Zooniverse?

Zooniverse is rated higher. GLOBE Observer averages 3.1 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while Zooniverse averages 3.7 from 37 ratings.

### Do GLOBE Observer or Zooniverse have ads?

Neither GLOBE Observer nor Zooniverse shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GLOBE Observer or Zooniverse?

GLOBE Observer ships an update every 2 months, and Zooniverse every 2 months. Most recently, GLOBE Observer was updated on September 23, 2026 and Zooniverse on September 14, 2026.

---

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