# Merge Explorer vs Assemblr EDU

Merge Explorer and Assemblr EDU both sit at 4.1 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Assemblr EDU's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's. Assemblr EDU also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Merge Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (279 vs 5). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and Assemblr EDU sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.1 for Merge Explorer against 4.2 for Assemblr EDU. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 46% of Merge Explorer's written reviews are positive against 100% of Assemblr EDU's.

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, Assemblr EDU every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | Assemblr EDU |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) | **[4.2 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/assemblr-edu-learn-in-3d-and-ar/id1505499586/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **279** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Assemblr](https://appshunter.io/developer/1425741171) |

## What reviewers say

### Merge Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Explorer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |
| Explorer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for young students
- 💡 Flexible for lesson needs
- 🔬 Used for research and experiments
- 💡 Introduces new content exploratorily
- 🤩 Engaging and versatile for learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive purchase
- 💰 Forced subscription for software
- 💰 Cannot view software before paying
- 💰 Money trap
- 💰 Only for rich people

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken

**Requested features**

- 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


### Assemblr EDU

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/assemblr-edu-learn-in-3d-and-ar/id1505499586)

This platform empowers educators and students with interactive 3D and AR learning experiences. Access ready-made lessons, utilize extensive 3D teaching aids, and create custom projects with an easy drag-and-drop editor. Facilitate virtual classes and bring student creations to life in augmented reality.

**Highlights:** Hundreds of ready-to-use 3D/AR topics, 6,000+ animated 3D teaching aids, Drag-and-drop 3D/AR project editor, Augmented reality project presentations, Virtual class setup and connection, Compatible with all devices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Individual Plan 1 Week | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Individual Plan 1 Month | $4.99 | per month |
| Group Plan (3 Seats) | $4.99 | per month |
| Single Monthly | $8.00 | per month |
| CREATOR EDU MONTHLY (+350 BLR) | $8.99 | per month |
| CREATOR EDU MONTHLY (+350 BLR) | $20.00 | per month |
| Single Yearly | $80.00 | per year |
| Group Yearly | $209.99 | per year |
| CREATOR EDU MONTHLY (+350 BLR) | $250.00 | per month |
| Custom Marker Voucher | $2.99 | one-time |
| Custom Marker Voucher 5 | $13.99 | one-time |
| 500 BLR Coins | $14.49 | one-time |
| Custom Marker Voucher 10 | $24.99 | one-time |
| 1000 BLR Coins | $28.49 | one-time |
| 1500 BLR Coins | $42.90 | one-time |
| 2000 BLR Coins | $57.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Is Assemblr EDU free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Merge Explorer or Assemblr EDU?

Assemblr EDU is rated higher. Merge Explorer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 279 ratings, while Assemblr EDU averages 4.2 from 5 ratings.

### Do Merge Explorer or Assemblr EDU have ads?

Neither Merge Explorer nor Assemblr EDU shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Merge Explorer or Assemblr EDU?

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and Assemblr EDU every 2 weeks. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Assemblr EDU on October 24, 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.*