Comparison

BWP vs Orthoptera

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

Head to head
About

BWP

This comprehensive reference app provides detailed information on birds of the Western Palearctic. It features extensive data on species, including field characters, habitat, breeding, and behavior, enhanced with illustrations, songs, videos, and maps.

Highlights
  • 1,056 species covered
  • 5,473 illustrations
  • 1,066 songs and calls
  • 916 videos
  • 643 distribution maps
  • Updated taxonomy and new species
Features
Read full description

Birds of the Western Palearctic – BWP – is the definitive reference for everyone with a serious interest in birding and ornithology. Fifteen years ago we published all 11 printed volumes on DVD-ROM. Now we have fully overhauled this renowned BWPi for iOS and macOS. We have refreshed the design, breathed new life into the plates, added a comprehensive video library, integrated unique breeding birds content and updated taxonomy with new species and splits. Comprehensive coverage of every species that regularly occurs in the region, with sections on Field Characters, Habitat, Breeding, Distribution, Population, Movements, Social Pattern and Behaviour, Voice, Food, Plumages, Moults, Measurements and Geographical Variation. The app covers every species known to have occurred within the region, and we will be updating the app as new species occur (latest is Horned Puffin!). BWP integrates with Collins Bird Guide app so that you can switch between the two seamlessly. • 1,056 species covered • 5,473 illustrations • 1,066 songs and calls • 916 videos • 643 distribution maps • 10,176 photos of breeding stages • 1,557 line drawings showing behaviour • 288 life cycle diagrams • 2,446 tables • 37,690 references • 5,250,000 words of text! • Species names are translated into 25 languages The distribution and population data have not been updated since BWP was originally published, and some species have changed significantly since then. Compare species is available on iPad only.

About

Orthoptera

Identify over 180 European grasshopper and cricket species with an intuitive key, extensive images, audio, and detailed information. Narrow down possibilities using criteria like size or GPS location. Designed for both beginners and experts for fieldwork.

Highlights
  • Intuitive identification key
  • Over 180 European species
  • 6,000+ images, audio, and drawings
  • Detailed species information
  • Flexible criteria selection
  • GPS localization for range narrowing
Features
Read full description

Using "Orthoptera" - the scientific term for grasshoppers and crickets - over 180 European species can be identified with the help of an intuitive identification key. The featured species are illustrated with more than 6,000 images, audio recordings, and drawings. Detailed information on appearance, song, habitat, and distribution complements the data for each species. Users can freely select criteria such as body size or wing length, even in combination. This approach simplifies identification and makes the application extremely flexible. Additionally, the range of species can be automatically narrowed down using GPS localisation. The app is designed for both interested amateurs and experts, making it an ideal companion for fieldwork. For more information, visit: https://www.orthoptera.ch/wiki/info-app-wiki/orthoptera-app A subscription is required for access to all species: · The subscription enables unlimited use of the app and finances its maintenance and further development. · It is valid for one year from the date of purchase. · Price of the yearly subscription: see In-App-Purchases · You will be charged with the payment method specified for your Apple ID · The subscription will automatically renew, unless auto-renewal is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period · The account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal · Subscriptions may be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the Account Settings after purchase · Privacy policy: https://garzotto.com/privacy_en.html · Terms of use: https://garzotto.com/termsofuse_en.html

Screenshots

BWP4 screens
Orthoptera4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Orthoptera at Free against BWP's $35.99. Orthoptera also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 64%). BWP's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

Orthoptera is free to download; BWP costs $35.99 up front. Orthoptera sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $9.99 per year. BWP asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BWP ships an update every 2 months, Orthoptera every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
BWP versus Orthoptera: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBWPOrthoptera
Price$35.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid — betterSubscription
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.5 — better15.6
Further details — not scored
Size3.3 GB29 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNatureGuides Ltd.Garzotto GmbH

Customer experience

BWP

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive64.0%
Neutral8.0%
Negative28.0%

Orthoptera

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

BWP

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Orthoptera

Subscriptions1
  • Orthoptera Yearly Subscription$9.991 Year

Questions

Is BWP free?
BWP costs $35.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Orthoptera free?
Orthoptera is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do BWP or Orthoptera have ads?
Neither BWP nor Orthoptera shows ads.
Which is updated more often, BWP or Orthoptera?
BWP ships an update every 2 months, and Orthoptera every 6 weeks. Most recently, BWP was updated on September 24, 2026 and Orthoptera on September 15, 2026.

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