# DICECPU vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is price: Merge Explorer at Free against DICECPU's $0.99. Merge Explorer also leads on ratings volume (279 vs 1) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). DICECPU's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Merge Explorer is free to download; DICECPU costs $0.99 up front. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. DICECPU asks for nothing beyond the download.

DICECPU holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

DICECPU ships an update every 3 months, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on June 24, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DICECPU | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dicecpu/id1347427207/reviews)** | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **279** |
| Positive reviews | — | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 2 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [JHT Consulting](https://appshunter.io/developer/335528138) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### DICECPU

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dicecpu/id1347427207)

Explore video pixels in real-time with various effects. Analyze RGB values, apply color gradients, slow-motion, pixelation, and scrolling text. Requires camera access and optionally photo library access for saving.

**Highlights:** Real-time video effects, RGB pixel value analysis, Color gradient effect, Slow motion effect, Pixel sub-sampling effect, Scrolling text effect

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 DICECPU free?

DICECPU costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DICECPU or Merge Explorer?

DICECPU is rated higher. DICECPU averages 5.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.

### Do DICECPU or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither DICECPU nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, DICECPU or Merge Explorer?

DICECPU ships an update every 3 months, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, DICECPU was updated on June 24, 2026 and Merge Explorer on October 12, 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.*