ISS ExplorAR vs Zenith
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ISS ExplorAR
Explore the International Space Station in stunning detail using augmented reality. Walk around the exterior or go inside to experience the astronaut's perspective, with interactive modules and informative videos. A 3D mode offers an alternative navigation experience.
- Augmented Reality (AR) exploration
- Detailed 3D ISS model
- Interactive module information
- In-station astronaut POV experience
- Non-AR 3D navigation mode
- VR Cupola view
- Spacewalk simulation
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Explore the exterior and interior of the International Space Station in detail with Augmented Reality technology. Walkable AR Exploration Using Simultaneous Localization & Mapping (SLAM) augmented reality technology, the user will be able to place a realistic 3D model of the International Space Station on any nearby surface in their reality. By moving the device around in the AR Mode, the user can observe the exterior of the ISS in detail, including the information about each module. Go inside the 3D interior to experience the point of view of the astronauts themselves. Approach each apparatus inside the station to watch helpful videos and know more about it. Via the mini map available, the user will also able to jump to different modules. Thumb-Friendly Navigation in Non-AR 3D Mode For users who prefer non-AR mode, the ISS ExplorAR provides the 3D Mode in which the ISS interior is possible to explore by using a two-thumb friendly navigation system on screen. The user’s left thumb will control the directional button, whilst the right button will control the camera movement for an immersive experience. Cupola in VR & the Spacewalk Experience In the 3D non-AR mode, the user can find 2 ‘hidden features’ by visiting the right module. Approach the hidden icons for a spacewalk experience and enjoy the beautiful view of our planet in virtual reality in the Cupola.
Zenith
Explore Earth in a 3D simulation and track the International Space Station's real-time orbit. Experience a rotating planet with dynamic soundscapes and see the current number of astronauts on board.
- 3D Earth simulation
- Real-time ISS orbit tracking
- Live astronaut count
- Dynamic soundscapes
- Earth rotation view
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Zenith shows the International Space Station live on a 3D globe, and tells you when to see it with your own eyes. • Live position, altitude, speed, day or night — updated every 5 seconds • The camera follows the station; spin the Earth with a finger • Upcoming visible passes over you: time, direction, height • A free alert before the best pass of the week • The crew on board: photos, agencies, days in orbit • Ambient space soundscape ZENITH+ • An alert before every visible pass • Full 10-day forecast • Choose your alert time: 2, 5, 10 or 15 minutes • Predicted orbit on the globe Zenith+ is available as a monthly or yearly subscription (7-day free trial on yearly), or as a one-time lifetime purchase. Payment is charged to your Apple Account. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the period; manage them in Settings › Apple ID › Subscriptions. Your location stays on your iPhone. No ads. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: ISS ExplorAR at 5.0 against Zenith's 4.8. ISS ExplorAR also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). On price, ratings volume, 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
ISS ExplorAR holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 5 respectively.
| Parameter | ISS ExplorAR | Zenith |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (3 ratings) — better | 4.8 (5 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 | 5 — better |
| Update frequency | — | Every 13 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 633 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Octagon Studio Ltd | Aurelien Grifasi |
In-app purchases
ISS ExplorAR
No in-app purchases
Zenith
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is ISS ExplorAR free?
Is Zenith free?
Which has better reviews, ISS ExplorAR or Zenith?
Do ISS ExplorAR or Zenith have ads?
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