# Encyclopedia vs Solar Explorer 3D

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Encyclopedia at 83% against Solar Explorer 3D's 50%. Solar Explorer 3D's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 62 months) and rating (4.1 vs 3.8). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Encyclopedia sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Solar Explorer 3D sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Solar Explorer 3D holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 14 and 22 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 83% of Encyclopedia's written reviews are positive against 50% of Solar Explorer 3D's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Encyclopedia ships an update every 62 months, Solar Explorer 3D every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 3, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encyclopedia | Solar Explorer 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encyclopedia-solar-system/id1124568774/reviews) | **[4.1 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-explorer-3d/id6752232739/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **22** |
| Positive reviews | **83.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 62 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 322 MB | 835 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Good Spider, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1487595667) | [Shenzhen Qizhuan Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1838373818) |

## What reviewers say

### Encyclopedia

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encyclopedia-solar-system/id1124568774)

Explore the solar system with extensive articles and high-definition images. This app offers comprehensive information, engaging content, and a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both children and adults interested in space.

**Highlights:** Thousands of articles and HD photos, Comprehensive solar system information, Engaging and easy-to-understand content, Offline availability, Badge collection for reading, Intuitive user interface

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $2.99 | one-time |


### Solar Explorer 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-explorer-3d/id6752232739)

Explore the cosmos with a realistic 3D simulation of the Solar System. Witness celestial bodies, spacecraft, and their movements with detailed surface views and mission replays. Ideal for astronomy enthusiasts and educators.

**Highlights:** Realistic 3D Solar System simulation, Detailed celestial body and spacecraft models, Surface exploration and landing views, Time acceleration for observing motion, Mission replay functionality, Real-time astronomical data display

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Edition | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encyclopedia free?

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

### Is Solar Explorer 3D free?

Solar Explorer 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Encyclopedia or Solar Explorer 3D?

Solar Explorer 3D is rated higher. Encyclopedia averages 3.8 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Solar Explorer 3D averages 4.1 from 22 ratings.

### Do Encyclopedia or Solar Explorer 3D have ads?

Neither Encyclopedia nor Solar Explorer 3D shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Encyclopedia or Solar Explorer 3D?

Encyclopedia ships an update every 62 months, and Solar Explorer 3D every 2 weeks. Most recently, Encyclopedia was updated on September 3, 2026 and Solar Explorer 3D on September 20, 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.*