Comparison

Merge Explorer vs 3DMD AR

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

Head to head
About

Merge Explorer

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
Read full description

PLEASE NOTE: This app requires a Merge Cube and a smartphone or a tablet to experience. Find out how to get a Merge Cube and learn more at: https://www.MergeCube.com. Students can learn science effectively with over 100 science simulations they can touch, hold and interact with! Merge Explorer (along with a Merge Cube) allows students to investigate a smoking volcano in the palm of their hand, examine a great white shark up close, hold and explore the solar system, dissect a frog (humanely!), and so much more. With easy-to-follow activities and built-in quizzes, students gain key knowledge while immersed in learning, both in the classroom or while remote learning at home. Merge Explorer includes NGSS-aligned topics for K-8th grade, like Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth & Space Science. If you have any questions or suggestions, we want to hear from you! Contact us at any time at support@mergeedu.com. Privacy Policy: https://MergeEdu.com/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://MergeEdu.com/terms-of-use

About

3DMD AR

This app uses augmented reality to bring molecular models to life for educational purposes. Students can interact with physical models and engage in digital learning activities, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

Highlights
  • Augmented reality exploration
  • Interactive digital learning activities
  • Enhances physical model interaction
  • Covers high school biology topics
  • Screenshot and annotation tools
  • Digital overlays on physical models
Read full description

3DMD AR allows students to further explore 3D Molecular Designs’ kits and models through augmented reality-based activities. 3DMD AR uses physical models as AR targets and leads students through digital learning activities. As students progress through AR activities, they will continue to manipulate physical models, actively engaging in making sense of molecular processes through collaboration with classmates. • Fun, Interactive, and Hands-on • Enhances 3D Molecular Designs’ Physical Models • Explores High School Biology Science Topics • Increases Learning Content for 3DMD Products • Ability to screenshot and annotate through app • Features multiple digital overlays on physical model

Screenshots

Merge Explorer4 screens
3DMD AR3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Merge Explorer at 4.1 against 3DMD AR's 3.2. Merge Explorer also leads on ratings volume (279 vs 19). 3DMD AR's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (60% vs 46%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. 3DMD AR asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Merge Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 19, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 46% of Merge Explorer's written reviews are positive against 60% of 3DMD AR's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, 3DMD AR every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
Merge Explorer versus 3DMD AR: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMerge Explorer3DMD AR
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (279 ratings) — better3.2 (19 ratings)
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews60.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings279 — better19
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size1.3 GB255 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMerge AppsAkbar Sultanov

Customer experience

Merge Explorer

All ratings279 ratings
Positive76.3%
Neutral7.2%
Negative16.5%
Written reviews65 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral10.8%
Negative43.1%

3DMD AR

All ratings19 ratings
Positive52.6%
Neutral5.3%
Negative42.1%
Written reviews5 reviews
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%

Bugs and requests

Merge Explorer

Reported bugs

13 issues
  • App crashes on iPad
  • App crashes when pressing play
  • Camera not working in app
  • Black screen when using cube or camera
  • VR function broken
Show 8 more
  • VR doesn't work with iPhone XS Max
  • App crashes or loads forever
  • Problems with galactic explore
  • App has trouble recognizing the cube
  • Screen recording only records cube, not overlay
  • Words appear sideways in horizontal mode
  • Content appears incorrectly
  • App crashes

Requested features

9 requests
  • 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
Show 4 more
  • Improve functionality for remote teaching, including screen recording
  • Add more content in the future
  • Add dark mode option
  • Add advanced analytics dashboard

3DMD AR

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Merge Explorer

Subscriptions4
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Explorer Premium Monthly14 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Merge EDU Individual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Explorer Premium Annual14 Days trial$99.991 Year
None

3DMD AR

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Merge Explorer free?
Merge Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is 3DMD AR free?
3DMD AR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Merge Explorer or 3DMD AR?
Merge Explorer is rated higher. Merge Explorer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 279 ratings, while 3DMD AR averages 3.2 from 19 ratings.
Do Merge Explorer or 3DMD AR have ads?
Neither Merge Explorer nor 3DMD AR shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Merge Explorer or 3DMD AR?
Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and 3DMD AR every 2 months. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on October 12, 2026 and 3DMD AR on September 29, 2026.

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