# GLOBE Observer vs Project FeederWatch

The clearest difference is monetization model: GLOBE Observer at free against Project FeederWatch's ad-supported. GLOBE Observer also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 3.1 for GLOBE Observer against 3.0 for Project FeederWatch. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 86 and 68 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 34% and 33% positive.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GLOBE Observer | Project FeederWatch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.1 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751/reviews)** | [3.0 (68 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/project-feederwatch/id1439222765/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **86** | 68 |
| Positive reviews | **33.9% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 5 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) | [Cornell University](https://appshunter.io/developer/382072985) |

## 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


### Project FeederWatch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/project-feederwatch/id1439222765)

Easily report bird sightings from your feeder for scientific research. Track your statistics, access past counts, and learn about local feeder birds. Contribute to a large database that aids conservation efforts.

**Highlights:** Report winter bird sightings, Track sighting statistics, Access past count archives, Contribute to bird population database, Discover best food and feeder types, Identify and learn about feeder birds

**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 Project FeederWatch free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GLOBE Observer or Project FeederWatch?

GLOBE Observer is rated higher. GLOBE Observer averages 3.1 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while Project FeederWatch averages 3.0 from 68 ratings.

### Do GLOBE Observer or Project FeederWatch have ads?

Neither GLOBE Observer nor Project FeederWatch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GLOBE Observer or Project FeederWatch?

GLOBE Observer ships an update every 2 months, and Project FeederWatch every 2 months. Most recently, GLOBE Observer was updated on September 23, 2026 and Project FeederWatch on August 19, 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.*