# AR Orbits vs Orbital Simulator

The clearest difference is ads: AR Orbits at none against Orbital Simulator's shown. AR Orbits also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Orbital Simulator's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 18 months). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for AR Orbits against 5.0 for Orbital Simulator. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 5 respectively.

AR Orbits ships an update every 18 months, Orbital Simulator fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AR Orbits | Orbital Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-orbits/id1470324501/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **11** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 58 MB | 247 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Turner Thornberry](https://appshunter.io/developer/1393266702) | [Renzo Macedo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1403943580) |

## What reviewers say

### AR Orbits

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ar-orbits/id1470324501)

Explore the solar system and understand satellite mechanics through augmented reality. This app simplifies complex astrophysics concepts, allowing users to create and plot their own orbits, making rocket science accessible for learning and homework.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality exploration, Satellite mechanics simulation, Orbit plotting and creation, Astrophysics homework assistance, Solar system discovery

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Orbital Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732)

Explore orbital mechanics through interactive simulations and real-time solar system data. Learn about Kepler's Laws, practice orbital maneuvers, and engage in mission objectives. Ideal for students and space enthusiasts.

**Highlights:** Interactive orbital simulations, Kepler's Laws visualization, Orbital maneuver practice, Real-time solar system view, Customizable orbital parameters, Detailed educational content, Mission-based challenges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AR Orbits free?

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

### Is Orbital Simulator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AR Orbits or Orbital Simulator?

Orbital Simulator is rated higher. AR Orbits averages 4.9 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Orbital Simulator averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do AR Orbits or Orbital Simulator have ads?

Orbital Simulator shows ads; AR Orbits does not.

### Which is updated more often, AR Orbits or Orbital Simulator?

AR Orbits ships an update every 18 months, and Orbital Simulator fortnightly. Most recently, AR Orbits was updated on September 23, 2026 and Orbital Simulator on October 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.*