# GLOBE Observer vs SoundLocal

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: GLOBE Observer at none against SoundLocal's 6. GLOBE Observer also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SoundLocal sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $5.00 per month. GLOBE Observer asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | GLOBE Observer | SoundLocal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.1 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **86** | — |
| Positive reviews | 33.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) | [Squared Sums](https://appshunter.io/developer/1814216225) |

## 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


### SoundLocal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/soundlocal-native-fluency/id6747456711)

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Core Monthly | $5.00 | per month |
| Pro Monthly | $10.00 | per month |
| Elite Monthly | $16.00 | per month |
| Core Yearly | $50.00 | per year |
| Pro Yearly | $60.00 | per year |
| Elite Yearly | $159.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GLOBE Observer free?

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

### Is SoundLocal free?

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

### Do GLOBE Observer or SoundLocal have ads?

Neither GLOBE Observer nor SoundLocal 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.*