Comparison

Plantale vs Merge Explorer

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

Head to head
About

Plantale

Explore the complete life cycle of plants in augmented reality. Witness seeds grow into full blooms, dissect plant anatomy, and learn about their growth needs. It's an immersive botanical adventure for all ages.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality plant life cycles
  • Explore root, stem, and leaf anatomy
  • Virtual plant growth and care
  • Learn about germination and pollination
  • Interactive 3D plant models
  • Dissect plants virtually
Features
Read full description

Have you ever wondered how a tiny seed transforms into a towering oak or a vibrant sunflower? Plantale, the award-winning AR app, takes you on a captivating botanical adventure to unlock the secrets of the plant kingdom! Imagine this: You hold up your phone or tablet, and a world of green unfolds right before your eyes. It’s time to witness the entire life cycle of a plant — from a single seed nestled in your palm to a flourishing flower blooming in your living room (virtually, of course!). But Plantale isn't just about watching. It's about experiencing the magic of plants firsthand. Why Plantale App? With the groundbreaking AR technology of Plantale, you can: • Become a Plant Detective: Peer deep into the intricate anatomy of roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Explore their hidden structures and understand the complex workings that keep plants alive. • Learn by Doing: Go beyond textbooks. Plantale lets you dissect plants virtually to gain a deeper understanding of their internal and external functions. It's like having your personal botanical laboratory, minus the mess. • Witness the Miracle of Nature: Watch in awe as a flower bud bursts into bloom in your surroundings. Plantale brings the beauty of plant life to life right in your own space, making science a truly immersive experience. Learning Opportunities Plantale doesn't stop there! You can also: • Become a Virtual Gardener: Ever dreamed of nurturing your own garden but lacked the space or time? Plantale lets you grow your virtual plant in any location you choose. Tend to its needs, watch it flourish and experience the joy of nurturing life – all within the app! • Unlock the Secrets of Growth: Learn about the optimal conditions different plants need to thrive. Discover the fascinating stages of germination and track your virtual plant's growth progress with pride. • Unravel the Mystery of Pollination: Plantale sheds light on the vital process of pollination, revealing how plants reproduce and create fruits and seeds. Explore Plant Anatomy on Plantale Here are other cool things the app allows you to be involved in: • Root Systems: By tapping a specific plant, users can explore interactive 3D models of its root system. They can learn about different root types (taproots, fibrous roots), their functions (absorption, anchorage), and how they adapt to various environments. • Stem Anatomy: Interactive cross-sections within the app would reveal the intricate structure of a plant's stem. Users could learn about the different tissues (xylem, phloem) and their roles in transporting water, nutrients and sugars throughout the plant. • Leaf Exploration: Tapping on a leaf image will showcase a magnified view, highlighting its key features. Users can learn about different leaf shapes, venation patterns (parallel, net-like), and how these adaptations impact photosynthesis and transpiration. Plantale is more than just an app — it's a gateway to a greener world. It transforms the often-complex science of botany into an engaging and interactive learning experience. Whether you're a curious student, a passionate educator or simply someone who wants to reconnect with nature, Plantale has something for everyone. Download Plantale today for a captivating botanical adventure! You'll be amazed by the wonders that await you in the palm of your hand.

About

Merge Explorer

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
Read full description

PLEASE NOTE: This app requires a Merge Cube and a smartphone or a tablet to experience. Find out how to get a Merge Cube and learn more at: https://www.MergeCube.com. Students can learn science effectively with over 100 science simulations they can touch, hold and interact with! Merge Explorer (along with a Merge Cube) allows students to investigate a smoking volcano in the palm of their hand, examine a great white shark up close, hold and explore the solar system, dissect a frog (humanely!), and so much more. With easy-to-follow activities and built-in quizzes, students gain key knowledge while immersed in learning, both in the classroom or while remote learning at home. Merge Explorer includes NGSS-aligned topics for K-8th grade, like Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. If you have any questions or suggestions, we want to hear from you! Contact us at any time at support@mergeedu.com. Privacy Policy: https://MergeEdu.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://MergeEdu.com/terms-of-use

Screenshots

Plantale4 screens
Merge Explorer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Merge Explorer at Free against Plantale's $0.99. Merge Explorer also leads on rating (4.1 vs 3.8) and update cadence (monthly vs every 2 months). Plantale's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On review sentiment, ads, monetization model and device support 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

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Merge Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 28, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of Plantale's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

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

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Plantale versus Merge Explorer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPlantaleMerge Explorer
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (28 ratings)4.1 (279 ratings) — better
Positive reviews38.7% of reviews46.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings28279 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size469 MB1.3 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperIndiavidual Learning LimitedMerge Apps

Customer experience

Plantale

All ratings28 ratings
Positive71.4%
Neutral0.0%
Negative28.6%
Written reviews62 reviews
Positive38.7%
Neutral9.7%
Negative51.6%

Merge Explorer

All ratings279 ratings
Positive76.3%
Neutral7.2%
Negative16.5%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral10.8%
Negative43.1%

Bugs and requests

Plantale

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Merge Explorer

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • App crashes on iPad
  • App crashes when pressing play
  • Camera not working in app
  • Black screen when using cube or camera
  • VR function broken
Show 8 more
  • VR doesn't work with iPhone XS Max
  • App crashes or loads forever
  • Problems with galactic explore
  • App has trouble recognizing the cube
  • Screen recording only records cube, not overlay
  • Words appear sideways in horizontal mode
  • Content appears incorrectly
  • App crashes

Requested features

9 requests
  • 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
Show 4 more
  • Improve functionality for remote teaching, including screen recording
  • Add more content in the future
  • Add dark mode option
  • Add advanced analytics dashboard

In-app purchases

None

Plantale

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

Merge Explorer

Subscriptions4
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Explorer Premium Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Explorer Premium Annual14 Days trial$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Plantale free?
Plantale 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, Plantale or Merge Explorer?
Merge Explorer is rated higher. Plantale averages 3.8 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.
Do Plantale or Merge Explorer have ads?
Neither Plantale nor Merge Explorer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Plantale or Merge Explorer?
Plantale ships an update every 2 months, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, Plantale was updated on November 2, 2026 and Merge Explorer on November 2, 2026.

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