# Virtual Labs vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Virtual Labs at none against Merge Explorer's 4. Virtual Labs also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 15.0). Merge Explorer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Virtual Labs asks for nothing beyond the download.

## The numbers

| Metric | Virtual Labs | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **279** |
| Positive reviews | — | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | — | Monthly |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [New Mexico State University Board of Regents](https://appshunter.io/developer/337567846) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### Virtual Labs

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtual-labs-using-a-microscope/id1095444669)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merge Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606)

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

**Highlights:** Over 100 science simulations, Interactive Merge Cube experiences, Hands-on learning activities, Built-in quizzes, NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum, Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Explorer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |
| Explorer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for young students
- 💡 Flexible for lesson needs
- 🔬 Used for research and experiments
- 💡 Introduces new content exploratorily
- 🤩 Engaging and versatile for learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive purchase
- 💰 Forced subscription for software
- 💰 Cannot view software before paying
- 💰 Money trap
- 💰 Only for rich people

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to play
- Add more fun things, not just learning
- Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
- Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
- Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Virtual Labs free?

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

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Do Virtual Labs or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither Virtual Labs nor Merge Explorer 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.*