Comparison

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions 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

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions

Explore and study realistic 3D models of objects like monuments, planets, and animals using augmented reality. Rotate, scale, and move scenes for educational purposes or client presentations. Capture photos and videos of your AR creations to share.

Highlights
  • Explore realistic 3D models
  • Augmented reality integration
  • Rotate, scale, and move scenes
  • Educational use cases
  • Client presentation tool
  • Capture photos and videos
  • Built-in QR code scanner
Read full description

Architeque is a revolutionary augmented reality app that was designed to explore and study a variety of realistic objects from architectural monuments to planets and animals. Explore each model from different angles. Rotate, scale, move the scene and enjoy the result. Use Architeque for educational purposes or create presentations for your clients or colleagues. The scope of this application is incredibly extensive. Find any object you are interested in and download it to your iPhone or iPad. Take memorable photos or short videos and share them with your loved ones or friends. A QR code scanner is built into Architeque. Just buy an Architeque postcard, scan a QR code on the back, and the app will automatically download the 3D model on your phone or tablet.

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

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions4 screens
Merge Explorer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions at none against Merge Explorer's 4. Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions also leads on review sentiment (60% vs 46%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Merge Explorer's advantage is rating (4.1 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (279 vs 3). On price, ads 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

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Merge Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions ships an update every 2 months, Merge Explorer monthly. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions versus Merge Explorer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterArchiteque - 3D & AR SolutionsMerge Explorer
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.7 (3 ratings)4.1 (279 ratings) — better
Positive reviews60.0% of reviews — better46.2% of reviews
Number of ratings3279 — better
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB1.3 GB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperARchiteque LLCMerge Apps

Customer experience

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions

All ratings3 ratings
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%

Merge Explorer

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

Bugs and requests

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions

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

Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions

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 Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions free?
Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Merge Explorer free?
Merge Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions or Merge Explorer?
Merge Explorer is rated higher. Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions averages 3.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.
Do Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions or Merge Explorer have ads?
Neither Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions nor Merge Explorer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions or Merge Explorer?
Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions ships an update every 2 months, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, Architeque - 3D & AR Solutions was updated on November 2, 2026 and Merge Explorer on November 2, 2026.

Other comparisons