# Encyclopedia vs Heliosphere

The clearest difference is rating: Encyclopedia at 3.8 against Heliosphere's 3.0. Encyclopedia also leads on review sentiment (83% vs 50%) and ratings volume (14 vs 2). Heliosphere's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Encyclopedia holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Encyclopedia has 14 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of Encyclopedia's written reviews are positive against 50% of Heliosphere's.

Encyclopedia ships an update every 3 weeks, Heliosphere every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Encyclopedia | Heliosphere |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/encyclopedia-solar-system/id1124568774/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliosphere-solar-system/id6757491622/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **83.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 496 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Good Spider, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1487595667) | [CHUNGKIL KIM](https://appshunter.io/developer/960187999) |

## 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 |


### Heliosphere

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliosphere-solar-system/id6757491622)

Explore a real-time 3D simulation of the solar system, planets, moons, and spacecraft using accurate astronomical data. Learn about celestial bodies and space missions with educational content and quizzes.

**Highlights:** Real-time 3D solar system simulation, Live spacecraft tracking, Deep sky exploration, Comprehensive astronomy education, Time travel from 1900 to 2100, Planet-centric viewing mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Coffee | $2.99 | one-time |
| 3 Coffees | $8.99 | one-time |
| 5 Coffees | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Encyclopedia free?

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

### Is Heliosphere free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Encyclopedia or Heliosphere?

Encyclopedia is rated higher. Encyclopedia averages 3.8 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Heliosphere averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Encyclopedia or Heliosphere have ads?

Neither Encyclopedia nor Heliosphere shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Encyclopedia or Heliosphere?

Encyclopedia ships an update every 3 weeks, and Heliosphere every 3 days. Most recently, Encyclopedia was updated on October 24, 2026 and Heliosphere on October 24, 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.*