# Merge Explorer vs AlOdog

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AlOdog at none against Merge Explorer's 4. AlOdog also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly). Merge Explorer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, AlOdog every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Explorer | AlOdog |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.3 GB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) | [Interage.ai](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792384962) |

## 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


### AlOdog

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alodog/id6806784921)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Is AlOdog free?

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

### Do Merge Explorer or AlOdog have ads?

Neither Merge Explorer nor AlOdog shows ads.

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

Merge Explorer ships an update monthly, and AlOdog every 5 days. Most recently, Merge Explorer was updated on November 2, 2026 and AlOdog on November 6, 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.*