# GlobeViewer vs ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples

The clearest difference is rating: ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples at 4.6 against GlobeViewer's 3.4. ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). GlobeViewer's advantage is review sentiment (33% vs 0%) and update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. GlobeViewer sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples asks for nothing beyond the download.

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 9 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 33% of GlobeViewer's written reviews are positive against 0% of ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

GlobeViewer ships an update every 6 weeks, ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GlobeViewer | ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.4 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globeviewer/id1394087613/reviews) | **[4.6 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcgis-maps-sdk-samples/id1630449018/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **9** |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 236 MB | 141 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RAB-Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/543575684) | [ESRI](https://appshunter.io/developer/379687933) |

## What reviewers say

### GlobeViewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globeviewer/id1394087613)

Explore Earth with a high-resolution 3D globe and topography maps. View surface, underwater, and topographical details, with real-time event overlays. Access extensive geographical data for offline use.

**Highlights:** Interactive 3D globe, High-resolution topography maps, Surface and underwater views, Real-time event overlays, Offline data caching, Extensive place names and geographical features

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 4K & Polar Regions | $0.99 | one-time |
| 4K & South America | $2.99 | one-time |
| 4K & Pacific | $2.99 | one-time |
| 4K & Japan/Korea/Taiwan | $2.99 | one-time |
| 8K & North America | $4.99 | one-time |
| 8K & China | $4.99 | one-time |
| 8K & Russia | $4.99 | one-time |
| 8K & Europe | $4.99 | one-time |
| 8K Pass | $8.99 | one-time |
| Professional Version | $14.99 | one-time |


### ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/arcgis-maps-sdk-samples/id1630449018)

Explore interactive samples showcasing powerful mapping and visualization capabilities. Learn to integrate advanced features like augmented reality, data editing, and spatial analysis into your own applications by viewing and adapting the provided source code.

**Highlights:** Interactive map and scene samples, Augmented reality visualization, Data editing and offline capabilities, Spatial analysis and routing, View and adapt source code, Search and query functionality

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GlobeViewer free?

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

### Is ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples free?

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, GlobeViewer or ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples?

ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples is rated higher. GlobeViewer averages 3.4 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples averages 4.6 from 9 ratings.

### Do GlobeViewer or ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples have ads?

GlobeViewer shows ads; ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples does not.

### Which is updated more often, GlobeViewer or ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples?

GlobeViewer ships an update every 6 weeks, and ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples every 4 months. Most recently, GlobeViewer was updated on November 2, 2026 and ArcGIS Maps SDK Samples on November 4, 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.*