Comparison

BrainExplain vs Head Atlas

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BrainExplain

Explore a 3D model of the human brain, highlighting specific regions and their functions. Gain insights into emotions, mental health, and treatment by viewing the brain from multiple perspectives.

Highlights
  • 3D human brain model
  • Highlighting of specific brain regions
  • Descriptions of region functions
  • Multiple viewing perspectives
  • Understanding emotions and mental health
Features
Read full description

This app is designed to highlight specific regions of the human brain in three dimensions. It includes brief descriptions of the functions associated with those regions. Users are able to 'enter' the brain and see it from multiple perspectives. This provides a basis for understanding emotions, mental health issues, and their treatment.

About

Head Atlas

Explore detailed 3D and Augmented Reality models of neuroanatomy. This app offers over 2500 labels and descriptions with interactive dissection tools to aid learning. It also integrates with physical models for a hybrid learning experience.

Highlights
  • 3D and Augmented Reality neuroanatomy models
  • Interactive dissection tools (3 axes)
  • Over 2500 labels and descriptions
  • Hide and transparency functions
  • Hybrid learning with physical models
  • Multiple visualization tools
Features
Read full description

A growing library of tools for neuroanatomy learning and a dashboard with news and other resources.  The module “Skull&Intracranial Atlas” is a full 3D and Augmented Reality atlas for studying neuroanatomy on mobile devices. You can access more than 2500 labels and descriptions and use 3 different visualization tools to dissect (on 3 axes), isolate, explode anatomical structures.  This module provides a variety of scientific texts organized into three cognitive levels, from general overviews to highly specific definitions, to facilitate learning and memorization. Head Atlas also contains the module “ARTouch” where you can observe neuroanatomy in a hybrid way using a physical model called AnatomyTouch, available on the UpSurgeOn store. FEATURES * 3D and Augmented Reality neuroanatomy models * Every single structure (Skull bones, Vascular and nervous system) can be reached and interacted with. * It is possible to rotate models to any angles and zoom in and out * Hide structures to reveal the anatomy below and transparency functions on isolate view * Anatomical details organized into groups of labels and hotspots. * 2500+ labels and descriptions of details and sutures * Different neuroanatomical visualization tools  * New modules coming soon

Screenshots

BrainExplain2 screens
Head Atlas4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Head Atlas at 4.5 against BrainExplain's 3.0. Head Atlas also leads on ratings volume (67 vs 2). BrainExplain's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (6.0 vs 11.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Head Atlas sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BrainExplain asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Head Atlas holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Head Atlas has 67 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BrainExplain ships an update weekly, Head Atlas every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
BrainExplain versus Head Atlas: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBrainExplainHead Atlas
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.0 (2 ratings)4.5 (67 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—85.7% of reviews
Number of ratings267 — better
Update frequencyWeeklyEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS6.0 — better11.0
Further details — not scored
Size289 MB433 MB
Age rating12+12+
DeveloperCheryl MontgomeryUpSurgeOn

Customer experience

BrainExplain

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Head Atlas

All ratings67 ratings
Positive88.1%
Neutral6.0%
Negative6.0%
Written reviews49 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral4.1%
Negative10.2%

In-app purchases

None

BrainExplain

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Head Atlas

One-time1
  • Skull & Intracranial Atlas$8.99

Questions

Is BrainExplain free?
BrainExplain is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Head Atlas free?
Head Atlas is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BrainExplain or Head Atlas?
Head Atlas is rated higher. BrainExplain averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Head Atlas averages 4.5 from 67 ratings.
Do BrainExplain or Head Atlas have ads?
Neither BrainExplain nor Head Atlas shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BrainExplain or Head Atlas?
BrainExplain ships an update weekly, and Head Atlas every 5 days. Most recently, BrainExplain was updated on September 16, 2026 and Head Atlas on September 28, 2026.

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