# Merge Explorer vs MARVLS

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MARVLS at 100% against Merge Explorer's 46%. MARVLS also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). Merge Explorer's advantage is ratings volume (279 vs 2) and update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

MARVLS holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 46% of Merge Explorer's written reviews are positive against 100% of MARVLS's.

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, MARVLS every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | MARVLS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marvls-plasma-physics/id6452503298/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **279** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 46.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 210 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Michele McColgan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1532617986) |

## 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


### MARVLS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/marvls-plasma-physics/id6452503298)

Explore plasma physics concepts with interactive augmented reality models. Visualize and manipulate these models using your phone and a downloadable Merge Cube. Navigate through various topics and bring complex scientific ideas to life.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality models, Plasma physics concepts, Merge Cube integration, Interactive visualization, Topic navigation

**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 MARVLS free?

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

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

MARVLS is rated higher. Merge Explorer averages 4.1 out of 5 from 279 ratings, while MARVLS averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Merge Explorer or MARVLS have ads?

Neither Merge Explorer nor MARVLS shows ads.

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

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and MARVLS every 5 months. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on October 23, 2026 and MARVLS 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.*