# Plugo by PlayShifu vs Osmo Words Explorers

The clearest difference is rating: Plugo by PlayShifu at 4.7 against Osmo Words Explorers's 3.3. Plugo by PlayShifu also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and review sentiment (51% vs 17%). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Osmo Words Explorers sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Plugo by PlayShifu asks for nothing beyond the download.

Plugo by PlayShifu holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Plugo by PlayShifu has 7.8K ratings behind it against 59, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Plugo by PlayShifu's written reviews are positive against 17% of Osmo Words Explorers's.

Plugo by PlayShifu ships an update every 3 weeks, Osmo Words Explorers every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Plugo by PlayShifu | Osmo Words Explorers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (7.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plugo-by-playshifu/id1397023302/reviews)** | [3.3 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-words-explorers/id1433980039/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **7.8K** | 59 |
| Positive reviews | **50.7% of reviews** | 17.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 862 MB | 261 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [mobilizAR](https://appshunter.io/developer/1118350985) | [Tangible Play](https://appshunter.io/developer/799157444) |

## What reviewers say

### Plugo by PlayShifu

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plugo-by-playshifu/id1397023302)

This interactive AR gaming system uses interchangeable kits and a gamepad to make learning STEM subjects fun and hands-on for children. Kids can play and learn without directly touching the screen, developing skills in math, vocabulary, logic, and critical thinking through engaging games.

**Highlights:** Interactive AR gaming, Hands-on STEM learning, Interchangeable game kits, Develops logic and critical thinking, No screen touching required, Multiple educational games

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great learning tool
- 🎓 Engaging and educational games
- 🤩 Fun for kids
- 🧠 Helps with math, spelling, and music fundamentals
- 💻 Works well on iPads and iPhones

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy and buggy app performance
- 🤔 Confusing or unclear instructions
- 🙅‍♀️ Inappropriate content (witchcraft)
- 🤯 Frustrating sync and connection issues
- 🤖 Poor figure/object detection

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes frequently
- Camera permissions not working
- Incorrect math answers provided
- Spelling mistakes in the app
- Compatibility issues with newer devices

**Requested features**

- Add lowercase letter tiles
- Ability to create custom spelling lists
- More diverse avatar options
- Parental controls and profile management
- Randomize word/puzzle selection


### Osmo Words Explorers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmo-words-explorers/id1433980039)

This app offers an engaging word-building and spelling adventure for young learners. Kids explore ancient temples, battle monsters, and save artifacts by mastering word constructions and spelling challenges. It's designed to enhance literacy skills and introduce historical facts in a fun, interactive way.

**Highlights:** Word recognition, Spelling practice, Vocabulary building, Critical thinking, Creative problem-solving, Historical facts

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3-day trial of Words Explorer | Free | one-time |
| Unlock Words Explorers | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Plugo by PlayShifu free?

Plugo by PlayShifu is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Osmo Words Explorers free?

Osmo Words Explorers is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Plugo by PlayShifu or Osmo Words Explorers?

Plugo by PlayShifu is rated higher. Plugo by PlayShifu averages 4.7 out of 5 from 7.8K ratings, while Osmo Words Explorers averages 3.3 from 59 ratings.

### Do Plugo by PlayShifu or Osmo Words Explorers have ads?

Neither Plugo by PlayShifu nor Osmo Words Explorers shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Plugo by PlayShifu or Osmo Words Explorers?

Plugo by PlayShifu ships an update every 3 weeks, and Osmo Words Explorers every 3 months. Most recently, Plugo by PlayShifu was updated on October 29, 2026 and Osmo Words Explorers on October 23, 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.*