Exoplanet Explorer vs CosmicObserver
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Exoplanet Explorer
Explore a vast catalog of over 6,000 confirmed exoplanets with detailed scientific data. Compare worlds, visualize habitable zones, and track new discoveries. Ideal for stargazers, students, educators, and researchers.
- 6,000+ confirmed exoplanets
- Detailed scientific data
- Advanced filtering and sorting
- Planet comparison tool
- Habitable zone analysis
- Home screen widgets
- Apple Watch companion app
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Explore the universe of exoplanets — over 6,000 confirmed worlds orbiting distant stars, updated from leading scientific archives. Track new discoveries as they happen and dive into the data behind every planet. EXPLORE THE COSMOS Search, filter, and sort the complete catalogue of confirmed exoplanets. Find planets by discovery method, star type, orbital characteristics, or habitability potential. Every entry includes detailed scientific data from peer-reviewed sources. ATMOSPHERIC SPECTRA Browse JWST and Hubble transmission spectra for planets where atmospheric data is available. Toggle molecular overlays for CO2, CH4, H2O, CO and more to see which absorption features have been detected. 3D SYSTEM VIEW Step into a planetary system in 3D — see each planet's orbit around its host star with realistic shading and a visualisation of the habitable zone. On iPhone and iPad you can also place a system into your environment in AR. COMPARE WORLDS Analyze exoplanets side-by-side — or compare them with Solar System planets like Earth, Jupiter, and Mars. Compare sizes, masses, orbital periods, star properties, and habitability scores to understand what makes each world unique. HABITABLE ZONE VISUALIZATION See exactly where planets orbit within their star's habitable zone — the region where liquid water could exist. Identify potentially Earth-like worlds and understand the conditions for life beyond our solar system. FEATURES • 6,000+ confirmed exoplanets with detailed scientific data • Atmospheric spectra with molecular overlays • 3D system view with AR mode • Advanced filtering and sorting • Planet comparison tool with Solar System reference • Habitable zone analysis • Spotlight search with deep linking • Home screen widgets • Apple Watch companion app • Bookmark favorites with iCloud sync • Available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro GO PREMIUM Enjoying the app? Premium takes it further — unlimited bookmarks, the full planet comparison tool, and additional widgets. A small yearly upgrade that makes a big difference. Whether you're a curious stargazer, student, educator, or researcher, Exoplanet Explorer puts the cosmos in your pocket. Terms of Use (EULA): https://the-exoplanets.space/eula/ Privacy Policy: https://the-exoplanets.space/privacy/
CosmicObserver
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CosmicObserver lets you travel real planets — of our solar system and beyond — from an observer's first-person view. You don't pilot a ship; you drift through space with your gaze and fingertips. Lock onto stars and planets, approach, scan, and record what you observe — space as a journey, not a catalog. ■ Features ・Real astronomical bodies based on public data ・FPS view with a virtual stick for free drifting ・Scientific honesty: observed / estimated / artistic values marked by color and label ・A "Cosmic Passport" and discovery collection ・A daily destination to gently explore the cosmos ■ Cosmic Pass (one-time purchase) The solar system is free. Cosmic Pass — a single one-time purchase — unlocks all star systems, exoplanets, unlimited dailies, and the frontier beyond. Note: Exoplanet surfaces are estimations/artistic renderings, not photographs. This app is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA. ■ In-App Purchase Cosmic Pass is a one-time purchase. There is no subscription, nothing renews, and there is nothing to cancel. After a new device or a reinstall, use "Restore purchases" on the Cosmic Pass screen or in Settings with the same Apple Account. Family Sharing is supported. Privacy Policy: https://www.rulagems.org/privacy/cosmicobserver/ Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.rulagems.org/terms/cosmicobserver/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is device support: Exoplanet Explorer at 5 against CosmicObserver's 1. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. Exoplanet Explorer sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 3 months and CosmicObserver sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Exoplanet Explorer ships an update every 2 weeks, CosmicObserver every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Exoplanet Explorer | CosmicObserver |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (70 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 70 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 10 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 171 MB | 187 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Carsten Knoblich | Yuichi Okuno |
In-app purchases
Exoplanet Explorer
- 3 months subscription7 Days trial$2.993 Months
- 12 months subscription7 Days trial$6.991 Year
CosmicObserver
- Cosmic Pass$4.99
Questions
Is Exoplanet Explorer free?
Is CosmicObserver free?
Do Exoplanet Explorer or CosmicObserver have ads?
Which is updated more often, Exoplanet Explorer or CosmicObserver?
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