# Evo by Ozobot vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Evo by Ozobot at none against Merge Explorer's 4. Evo by Ozobot also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and review sentiment (66% vs 46%). Merge Explorer's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Evo by Ozobot asks for nothing beyond the download.

Evo by Ozobot holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 279 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Evo by Ozobot's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's.

Evo by Ozobot ships an update every 2 months, Merge Explorer monthly. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Evo by Ozobot | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/evo-by-ozobot/id1145978152/reviews)** | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 279 |
| Positive reviews | **66.0% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 239 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Evollve, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/910831870) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### Evo by Ozobot

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/evo-by-ozobot/id1145978152)

This app serves as a companion for learning and creating with a robot companion. It provides access to coding tools, classroom resources, and support to maximize the robot's capabilities for educational and home use.

**Highlights:** Learn with robot companion, Create with robot companion, Connect with robot companion, Ozobot Blockly access, Classroom resources, FAQs and support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Fun and engaging app
- 👍 User-friendly interface
- 💡 Innovative features like Ozoblockly programming
- 🤖 Great for learning about robotics and coding

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and bugs
- 🔧 Stripped of many features after recent update
- 🔋 Poor battery life for the Ozobot Evo
- 📱 Connectivity issues with the app and Ozobot

**Reported bugs**

- Firmware update bricking Ozobot devices
- Inability to connect and calibrate Ozobot with the app
- Saved programs not working after app updates

**Requested features**

- Bring back removed features like customization, tricks, and accounts
- Add battery percentage indicator for Ozobot Evo
- Improve app navigation and make key functions more accessible
- Expand programming and coding capabilities


### Merge Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606)

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

**Highlights:** Over 100 science simulations, Interactive Merge Cube experiences, Hands-on learning activities, Built-in quizzes, NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum, Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Explorer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |
| Explorer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for young students
- 💡 Flexible for lesson needs
- 🔬 Used for research and experiments
- 💡 Introduces new content exploratorily
- 🤩 Engaging and versatile for learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive purchase
- 💰 Forced subscription for software
- 💰 Cannot view software before paying
- 💰 Money trap
- 💰 Only for rich people

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to play
- Add more fun things, not just learning
- Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
- Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
- Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Evo by Ozobot free?

Evo by Ozobot is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Evo by Ozobot or Merge Explorer?

Evo by Ozobot is rated higher. Evo by Ozobot averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.

### Do Evo by Ozobot or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither Evo by Ozobot nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Evo by Ozobot or Merge Explorer?

Evo by Ozobot ships an update every 2 months, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, Evo by Ozobot was updated on November 2, 2026 and Merge Explorer on November 2, 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.*