BrainExplain vs Head Atlas
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 3D human brain model
- Highlighting of specific brain regions
- Descriptions of region functions
- Multiple viewing perspectives
- Understanding emotions and mental health
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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.
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.
- 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
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Head Atlas sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BrainExplain asks for nothing beyond the download.
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.
BrainExplain ships an update weekly, Head Atlas every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 16, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | BrainExplain | Head Atlas |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) | 4.5 (67 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 85.7% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 67 — better |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 6.0 — better | 11.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 289 MB | 433 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | Cheryl Montgomery | UpSurgeOn |
Customer experience
BrainExplain
Head Atlas
In-app purchases
BrainExplain
No in-app purchases
Head Atlas
- Skull & Intracranial Atlas$8.99
Questions
Is BrainExplain free?
Is Head Atlas free?
Which has better reviews, BrainExplain or Head Atlas?
Do BrainExplain or Head Atlas have ads?
Which is updated more often, BrainExplain or Head Atlas?
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