# Space by Tinybop vs Smithsonian

The clearest difference is price: Smithsonian at Free against Space by Tinybop's $3.99. Smithsonian also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%). Space by Tinybop's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Smithsonian is free to download; Space by Tinybop costs $3.99 up front. Smithsonian sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Space by Tinybop asks for nothing beyond the download.

Space by Tinybop ships an update every 6 months, Smithsonian every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Space by Tinybop | Smithsonian |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.3 (72 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-by-tinybop/id1126517945/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **72** | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 255 MB | 285 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tinybop Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/682046582) | [PlayDate Digital Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/652113715) |

## What reviewers say

### Space by Tinybop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/space-by-tinybop/id1126517945)

Explore our solar system and visit each planet up close. Discover their surfaces, characteristics, and orbits through interactive play. Test atmospheres, gravity, and observe planetary spins and seasons.

**Highlights:** Visit 8 planets and the sun, Study planet surfaces up close, Discover planet characteristics, Test atmospheres and gravity with meteorites, Compare planet sizes and masses, Observe planetary orbits and moon phases, Explore Mars with rovers and chopper

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smithsonian

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smithsonian-planets/id6504839302)

Explore the solar system with interactive games and animations. Learn fascinating facts about planets, moons, and the asteroid belt. Designed for curious young minds to introduce astronomy basics.

**Highlights:** Fascinating facts about the solar system, Mini games like Space Winter Rush, Interactive activities, Educational animations, Read to Me text, Collect planet badges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy 5 Planets | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Space by Tinybop free?

Space by Tinybop costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smithsonian free?

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

### Do Space by Tinybop or Smithsonian have ads?

Neither Space by Tinybop nor Smithsonian shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Space by Tinybop or Smithsonian?

Space by Tinybop ships an update every 6 months, and Smithsonian every 3 months. Most recently, Space by Tinybop was updated on October 29, 2026 and Smithsonian on October 9, 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.*