# Backyard Safari vs AR Animals Simulator

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AR Animals Simulator at 100% against Backyard Safari's 33%. AR Animals Simulator also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 12). Backyard Safari's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (13 vs 2). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backyard Safari sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. AR Animals Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

AR Animals Simulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backyard Safari has 13 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Backyard Safari's written reviews are positive against 100% of AR Animals Simulator's.

Backyard Safari ships an update weekly, AR Animals Simulator every 10 days. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backyard Safari | AR Animals Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-safari/id1279544871/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-animals-simulator/id6477777945/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **13** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 102 MB | 216 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MPV Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1242475362) | [LASHA-GIORGI BABAKISHVILI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1710419903) |

## What reviewers say

### Backyard Safari

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backyard-safari/id1279544871)

Explore wildlife in your own environment using augmented reality. Interact with animals by moving and rotating them, then capture memorable photos. A free tiger is included, with more animals available for purchase.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality animal viewing, Interactive animal manipulation, Pose and photograph animals, Free tiger included, Additional animals available for purchase

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tiger | Free | one-time |
| Bear | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crocodile | $0.99 | one-time |
| Elephant | $0.99 | one-time |
| Giraffe | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hippo | $0.99 | one-time |
| Jaguar | $0.99 | one-time |
| Lion | $0.99 | one-time |
| Rhino | $0.99 | one-time |
| Zebra | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gazelle | $0.99 | one-time |
| All Animals | $2.99 | one-time |


### AR Animals Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-animals-simulator/id6477777945)

This augmented reality app brings animal illustrations to life as 3D animations, complete with sounds and educational information. It helps children learn about animals, their habitats, and colors while developing cognitive skills like concentration and imagination.

**Highlights:** Augmented Reality animal animations, Learn animal sounds and habitats, Develops concentration and imagination, Interactive 3D animal models, Educational content for children

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backyard Safari free?

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

### Is AR Animals Simulator free?

AR Animals Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Backyard Safari or AR Animals Simulator?

AR Animals Simulator is rated higher. Backyard Safari averages 4.3 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while AR Animals Simulator averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Backyard Safari or AR Animals Simulator have ads?

AR Animals Simulator shows ads; Backyard Safari does not.

### Which is updated more often, Backyard Safari or AR Animals Simulator?

Backyard Safari ships an update weekly, and AR Animals Simulator every 10 days. Most recently, Backyard Safari was updated on October 6, 2026 and AR Animals Simulator on October 6, 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.*