# Citizen Science vs iNaturalist

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iNaturalist at 49% against Citizen Science's 0%. iNaturalist also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months) and chart position (#103 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Citizen Science ships an update every 2 months, iNaturalist fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Citizen Science | iNaturalist |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.1 (723 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist/id6475737561/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **723** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **48.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#103** |
| Size | 33 MB | 220 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE FOR EARTH SCIENCE LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/896687691) | [iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/developer/421397031) |

## What reviewers say

### Citizen Science

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/citizen-science/id1439168937)

Contribute to real scientific research by easily entering data for various surveys. Participate in projects like snow depth measurement or storm assessment, with your submissions visible on a dedicated website. This platform allows researchers to utilize the growing data set for further scientific endeavors.

**Highlights:** Participate in scientific research projects, Easy data entry for surveys, Submit snow depth and storm assessments, View submissions on the website, Data accessible via API, Surveys can be restricted to user groups

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### iNaturalist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist/id6475737561)

**Currently charting:** #103 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Identify plants, animals, and fungi using your camera or imported photos. Get AI-powered species suggestions and connect with a global community of nature enthusiasts to learn more about the natural world and contribute to scientific conservation efforts.

**Highlights:** AI species identification, Record species observations, Contribute to scientific data, Explore biodiversity, Connect with nature enthusiasts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Faster and more intuitive UI
- 👍 Improved features from website
- 💡 Batch upload and sorting options
- 🚀 Responsive and smooth performance
- 👍 Easier to navigate and use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs with observation time and location
- 🔍 Difficulty finding advanced editing options
- 🔍 Overly complex UI for basic tasks
- 🔍 Removal of useful features like map view
- 🔍 Too much reliance on AI identification

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes when suggesting IDs on audio clips
- Inconsistent tap responsiveness in search menu
- Observation time not accurately filling based on upload time
- Map showing incorrect observation locations
- Crashes and performance issues on some devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to type in address/coordinates for location
- Option to add observations to projects during upload
- Batch editing/uploading of observations
- More precise search filters (e.g. aquatic, parasitic, migratory)
- Bring back colored observation markers on map


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Citizen Science free?

Citizen Science is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is iNaturalist free?

iNaturalist is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Citizen Science or iNaturalist have ads?

Neither Citizen Science nor iNaturalist shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Citizen Science or iNaturalist?

Citizen Science ships an update every 2 months, and iNaturalist fortnightly. Most recently, Citizen Science was updated on November 11, 2026 and iNaturalist on November 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.*