# GLOBE Observer vs PocketLab Classic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PocketLab Classic at 100% against GLOBE Observer's 34%. PocketLab Classic also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.1) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 13.0). GLOBE Observer's advantage is ratings volume (86 vs 2). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

PocketLab Classic holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GLOBE Observer has 86 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 34% of GLOBE Observer's written reviews are positive against 100% of PocketLab Classic's.

## The numbers

| Metric | GLOBE Observer | PocketLab Classic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketlab-classic/id6443502994/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **86** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 33.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) | [Myriad Sensors](https://appshunter.io/developer/1005909630) |

## 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


### PocketLab Classic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pocketlab-classic/id6443502994)

This app connects to a science sensor to collect and analyze real-time data for STEM education. It offers graphing and data integration features, making complex scientific investigations accessible and affordable.

**Highlights:** Connects to science sensors, Real-time data streaming, Data analysis and graphing, STEM curriculum integration, Low-cost lab equipment alternative

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GLOBE Observer free?

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

### Is PocketLab Classic free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GLOBE Observer or PocketLab Classic?

PocketLab Classic is rated higher. GLOBE Observer averages 3.1 out of 5 from 86 ratings, while PocketLab Classic averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do GLOBE Observer or PocketLab Classic have ads?

Neither GLOBE Observer nor PocketLab Classic shows ads.

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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.*