# Merge Explorer vs HeritageMaps

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Merge Explorer at 15.0 against HeritageMaps's 17.6. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and HeritageMaps sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, HeritageMaps fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | HeritageMaps |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Shuji MIURA](https://appshunter.io/developer/6781131824) |

## 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


### HeritageMaps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heritagemaps/id6781131822)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Meat Fund Tip | $2.00 | one-time |
| Veggie Fund Tip | $5.00 | one-time |
| Dev Support Tip | $10.00 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Is HeritageMaps free?

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

### Do Merge Explorer or HeritageMaps have ads?

Neither Merge Explorer nor HeritageMaps shows ads.

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

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and HeritageMaps fortnightly. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on October 23, 2026 and HeritageMaps on October 24, 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.*