Comparison

ARPlanets 2 vs Orbital Simulator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

ARPlanets 2

Explore the augmented reality Solar System with interactive 3D models and intuitive gestures. Learn basic and advanced astronomy concepts through engaging AR lessons.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality Solar System exploration
  • Interactive 3D model manipulation
  • Discover celestial body details
  • AR-based astronomy lessons
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

Introducing ARPlanets 2! Completely rewritten from scratch to offer the ultimate user experience this app will bring the entire augmented reality Solar System into your pocket! The AR user experience is of the highest level with total control of the models thanks to intuitive gestures. The new great AR Lessons section will teach you with nice lessons in augmented reality basic astronomy concepts such as Kepler's Laws up to advanced notions such as differential photometry. Learning has never been so beautiful! -> Main features - User friendly user interface aimed at offering the maximum user experience - Completely manipulate 3D models thanks to very simple gestures. - Discover the names of the most interesting areas of the Moon, Mars and Jupiter simply by getting closer with your phone! - Learn notions of basic astronomy in augmented reality such as the Earth-Moon system and Kepler's Laws up to advanced topics such as differential photometry thanks to the AR Lessons section! Learning has never been so beautiful!

About

Orbital Simulator

Explore orbital mechanics through interactive simulations and real-time solar system data. Learn about Kepler's Laws, practice orbital maneuvers, and engage in mission objectives. Ideal for students and space enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Interactive orbital simulations
  • Kepler's Laws visualization
  • Orbital maneuver practice
  • Real-time solar system view
  • Customizable orbital parameters
  • Detailed educational content
  • Mission-based challenges
Features
Read full description

Embark on an interactive journey through space with Orbital Simulator: Explore. This comprehensive app is designed to educate and engage users of all levels, from space enthusiasts to students, offering a deep dive into the fascinating world of orbital mechanics. Key Features: Interactive Simulations: Experiment with circular, elliptical, and hyperbolic orbits. See how changing parameters like semi-major axis, eccentricity, and inclination affect trajectories. Kepler’s Laws: Visualize and understand Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion with clear, interactive simulations. Orbital Maneuvers: Practice key maneuvers such as Hohmann transfers, Lambert transfers, and circularizations. Learn how these maneuvers are used in real space missions. Real-Time Solar System: View real-time positions of planets and moons within our solar system. Understand how celestial bodies interact and move over time. Customizable Parameters: Adjust orbital parameters and see the immediate effects on your spacecraft's trajectory. Experiment with different scenarios and learn through hands-on experience. Educational Content: Access detailed explanations, tutorials, and guides designed to enhance your understanding of space mechanics and celestial navigation. Dynamic Environment: Navigate complex gravitational fields in various scenarios, including binary star systems and multi-body interactions. Mission Objectives: Engage in missions that challenge you to establish orbits, perform transfers, and navigate through dynamic environments. Each mission helps you apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Visual Trajectory Paths: Visualize the path of your spacecraft with real-time trajectory lines. Understand the impact of your maneuvers and improve your navigation skills. Why Choose Orbital Simulator: Explore? For Space Enthusiasts and Students: Whether you’re a budding astronomer or a seasoned space enthusiast, this app offers valuable insights and engaging content for all levels. Educational Tool: Ideal for classroom settings or individual study, providing interactive and immersive learning experiences. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive controls and clear visuals make it easy to understand complex concepts. Constant Updates: We continuously update the app with new features, scenarios, and educational content to keep your learning experience fresh and relevant. Download Orbital Simulator: Explore now and embark on your journey through the stars. Master the art of orbital mechanics, explore the intricacies of celestial navigation, and experience the wonder of the cosmos. Join a community of space enthusiasts and students who are exploring the universe, one orbit at a time. Ready to become an orbital mechanic? Your adventure starts here!

Screenshots

ARPlanets 23 screens
Orbital Simulator4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Orbital Simulator at 5.0 against ARPlanets 2's 3.3. Orbital Simulator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). ARPlanets 2's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (15 vs 5). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. ARPlanets 2 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Orbital Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Orbital Simulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 5 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ARPlanets 2 ships an update every 6 weeks, Orbital Simulator fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and July 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
ARPlanets 2 versus Orbital Simulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterARPlanets 2Orbital Simulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.3 (15 ratings)5.0 (5 ratings) — better
Positive reviews57.1% of reviews—
Number of ratings15 — better5
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesAd-supported — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size449 MB247 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperDaniele CitiRenzo Macedo

Customer experience

ARPlanets 2

All ratings15 ratings
Positive53.3%
Neutral6.7%
Negative40.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive57.1%
Neutral14.3%
Negative28.6%

Orbital Simulator

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ARPlanets 2

One-time1
  • Full Access AR$1.99
None

Orbital Simulator

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ARPlanets 2 free?
ARPlanets 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Orbital Simulator free?
Orbital Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, ARPlanets 2 or Orbital Simulator?
Orbital Simulator is rated higher. ARPlanets 2 averages 3.3 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Orbital Simulator averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.
Do ARPlanets 2 or Orbital Simulator have ads?
Orbital Simulator shows ads; ARPlanets 2 does not.
Which is updated more often, ARPlanets 2 or Orbital Simulator?
ARPlanets 2 ships an update every 6 weeks, and Orbital Simulator fortnightly. Most recently, ARPlanets 2 was updated on August 27, 2026 and Orbital Simulator on July 8, 2026.

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