# Merge Explorer vs eXeReader

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: eXeReader at none against Merge Explorer's 4. eXeReader also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Merge Explorer's advantage is update cadence (monthly vs every 38 months). On price, 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. eXeReader asks for nothing beyond the download.

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, eXeReader every 38 months. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | eXeReader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **279** | — |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 38 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Instituto Nacional de Tecnologias Educativas y Formacion del Profesorado](https://appshunter.io/developer/1081307564) |

## 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


### eXeReader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exereader/id6444196265)

**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 eXeReader free?

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

### Do Merge Explorer or eXeReader have ads?

Neither Merge Explorer nor eXeReader shows ads.

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

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and eXeReader every 38 months. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on September 13, 2026 and eXeReader on September 15, 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.*