# ioLight Microscope vs Bug Identifier

The clearest difference is rating: Bug Identifier at 4.3 against ioLight Microscope's 2.5. Bug Identifier also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 11 months) and ratings volume (169 vs 19). ioLight Microscope's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bug Identifier sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. ioLight Microscope asks for nothing beyond the download.

Bug Identifier holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bug Identifier has 169 ratings behind it against 19, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of ioLight Microscope's written reviews are positive against 27% of Bug Identifier's.

ioLight Microscope ships an update every 11 months, Bug Identifier monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ioLight Microscope | Bug Identifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iolight-microscope/id1105416031/reviews) | **[4.3 (169 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bug-identifier-insect-spider/id6476772466/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 19 | **169** |
| Positive reviews | 20.0% of reviews | **27.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 48 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ioLight Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1105416030) | [Palina Baltsevich](https://appshunter.io/developer/1721441291) |

## What reviewers say

### ioLight Microscope

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/iolight-microscope/id1105416031)

Capture stunning images and videos of microscopic subjects with a high-resolution portable digital microscope. This app connects to the device, displaying detailed views of cells and other specimens directly on your mobile screen.

**Highlights:** Displays microscopic images and videos, Captures high-resolution images, Connects to portable digital microscope, Shows animal and plant cells, Displays on tablet or mobile phone

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Bug Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bug-identifier-insect-spider/id6476772466)

Instantly identify insects, spiders, and pests using AI by snapping a photo. Get detailed information, learn about dangerous species, and find practical pest control tips. Build a personal collection of your discoveries.

**Highlights:** AI-powered insect identification, Identify over 5,000 species, Detailed insect database, Information on dangerous bites, Pest analysis and control tips, Personal collection of identified species

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bug Identifier Premium | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Bug Identifier Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Bug Identifier 3-Month | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Welcome One-Time Offer | $19.99 | per year |
| Bug Identifier Annual | $24.99 | per year |
| Bug Identifier Annual | $29.99 | per year |
| Bug Identifier Premium | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ioLight Microscope free?

ioLight Microscope is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Bug Identifier free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ioLight Microscope or Bug Identifier?

Bug Identifier is rated higher. ioLight Microscope averages 2.5 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Bug Identifier averages 4.3 from 169 ratings.

### Do ioLight Microscope or Bug Identifier have ads?

Neither ioLight Microscope nor Bug Identifier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ioLight Microscope or Bug Identifier?

ioLight Microscope ships an update every 11 months, and Bug Identifier monthly. Most recently, ioLight Microscope was updated on October 2, 2026 and Bug Identifier on October 16, 2026.

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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.*