# Merge Explorer vs BuildInstruction

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Merge Explorer at 46% against BuildInstruction's 0%. BuildInstruction's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and rating (4.5 vs 4.1). On price, ratings volume, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. BuildInstruction asks for nothing beyond the download.

BuildInstruction holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 279 and 108 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 46% of Merge Explorer's written reviews are positive against 0% of BuildInstruction's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | BuildInstruction |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) | **[4.5 (108 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildinstruction/id1543726198/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **279** | 108 |
| Positive reviews | **46.2% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **14.2** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Lukasz Neumann](https://appshunter.io/developer/1533575695) |

## 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


### BuildInstruction

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buildinstruction/id1543726198)

This app provides clear, step-by-step visual guides for building robotics projects. It currently offers 18 detailed instructions perfect for learning robotics and coding concepts.

**Highlights:** Step-by-step building instructions, Large, clear pictures, 18 building guides included, Supports robotics learning, Aids coding education

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Is BuildInstruction free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Merge Explorer or BuildInstruction?

BuildInstruction is rated higher. Merge Explorer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 279 ratings, while BuildInstruction averages 4.5 from 108 ratings.

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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.*