# Merge Explorer vs LPBookspace

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LPBookspace at none against Merge Explorer's 4. LPBookspace also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Merge Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (279 vs 8). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

LPBookspace holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | LPBookspace |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) | **[4.4 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lpbookspace/id1574950529/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **279** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 140 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Living Popups Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1439637646) |

## 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


### LPBookspace

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lpbookspace/id1574950529)

This augmented reality app enhances reading by bringing book characters to life. It provides context, vocabulary support, and clarifies concepts, leading to better comprehension and engagement for readers of all levels. Ideal for home, school, and library use.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality experiences, Character interaction, Vocabulary support, Concept clarification, Improved comprehension, Increased retention

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Is LPBookspace free?

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

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

LPBookspace is rated higher. Merge Explorer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 279 ratings, while LPBookspace averages 4.4 from 8 ratings.

### Do Merge Explorer or LPBookspace have ads?

Neither Merge Explorer nor LPBookspace shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Merge Explorer or LPBookspace?

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and LPBookspace monthly. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on October 19, 2026 and LPBookspace on October 3, 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.*