# Merge Explorer vs 3DMD AR

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | 3DMD AR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews)** | [3.2 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3dmd-ar/id6450119774/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **279** | 19 |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | **60.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 255 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) | [Akbar Sultanov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1632007002) |

## 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


### 3DMD AR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3dmd-ar/id6450119774)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*