# AR vs Heliosphere

The clearest difference is review sentiment: AR at 100% against Heliosphere's 50%. AR also leads on rating (5.0 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). Heliosphere's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 5 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Heliosphere sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. AR asks for nothing beyond the download.

AR holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of AR's written reviews are positive against 50% of Heliosphere's.

AR ships an update every 5 months, Heliosphere every 3 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | AR | Heliosphere |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-solar-system/id1314426588/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliosphere-solar-system/id6757491622/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 56 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Akshat Goel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1314426587) | [CHUNGKIL KIM](https://appshunter.io/developer/960187999) |

## What reviewers say

### AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-solar-system/id1314426588)

Explore a realistic solar system in augmented reality. View planets and their movements up close in your environment, from your bedroom to the outdoors. A simple and immersive way to learn about space.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality solar system, Planet movement visualization, Detailed planet information, Immersive educational experience, Classroom and outdoor use

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 AR free?

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

### Is Heliosphere free?

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

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

AR is rated higher. AR averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Heliosphere averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do AR or Heliosphere have ads?

Neither AR nor Heliosphere shows ads.

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

AR ships an update every 5 months, and Heliosphere every 3 days. Most recently, AR 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.*