# Exoplanet Explorer vs CosmicObserver

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Exoplanet Explorer | CosmicObserver |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **70** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 171 MB | 187 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Carsten Knoblich](https://appshunter.io/developer/541438854) | [Yuichi Okuno](https://appshunter.io/developer/1803911141) |

## What reviewers say

### Exoplanet Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833)

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.

**Highlights:** 6,000+ confirmed exoplanets, Detailed scientific data, Advanced filtering and sorting, Planet comparison tool, Habitable zone analysis, Home screen widgets, Apple Watch companion app

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 months subscription | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| 12 months subscription | $6.99 | per year |


### CosmicObserver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cosmicobserver/id6787430312)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cosmic Pass | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Exoplanet Explorer free?

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

### Is CosmicObserver free?

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

### Do Exoplanet Explorer or CosmicObserver have ads?

Neither Exoplanet Explorer nor CosmicObserver shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Exoplanet Explorer or CosmicObserver?

Exoplanet Explorer ships an update every 2 weeks, and CosmicObserver every 10 days. Most recently, Exoplanet Explorer was updated on November 2, 2026 and CosmicObserver on November 5, 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.*