Comparison

Monarch Watch vs MonarchPatch

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Monarch Watch

Contribute to citizen science by tracking monarch butterflies. Log tagging, recovery, and calendar data with automatic image capture and field data import. Save data offline for later submission.

Highlights
  • Monarch tagging data submission
  • Recovery and calendar data logging
  • Automatic tag image capture
  • Streamlined data entry
  • Offline data saving
  • Educational materials
Features
Read full description

Participate in Monarch Watch community science projects and submit your monarch tagging, recovery and calendar data! Capture images of tags and automatically import codes for streamlined data entry. Easily import location, date, weather and other information then instantly submit data in the field. If no network connection is available, data may be saved and submitted later. All data from tagging, recovery, and calendar projects are saved on your device, giving you a record of what you have submitted. Detailed tagging instruction is provided as well as other educational materials and activities.

About

MonarchPatch

Features
Read full description

Monarch Patch is a comprehensive app designed for butterfly enthusiasts to meticulously track their rearing, observation, and sighting efforts. Users can monitor how their cohorts are progressing, identify predation or health issues, and evaluate the performance of specific milkweed species. The app provides deep insights into survival and success rates, turning personal observations into meaningful data. Beyond individual tracking, Monarch Patch showcases collective community efforts, allowing you to see how nearby patches are performing within your own zip code. The app offers robust basic functionality for free, with more advanced features available through paid tiers. Users can generate specialized "data cards" for patches, cohorts, and observations; these cards summarize your success and are designed to be easily shared on social media or printed for physical records. Finally, the app serves as a vital resource hub, offering users the latest news and updates, a directory of nearby nurseries with milkweed availability, monarch-related events, gear recommendations, and a library of guides and tutorials.

Screenshots

Monarch Watch4 screens
MonarchPatch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Monarch Watch at none against MonarchPatch's 4. Monarch Watch also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (monthly vs every 8 months). On price and iOS requirement 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MonarchPatch sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Monarch Watch asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Monarch Watch ships an update monthly, MonarchPatch every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Monarch Watch versus MonarchPatch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMonarch WatchMonarchPatch
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (7 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings7 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS15.6 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size86 MB48 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThe University of KansasCetalingua, LLC

In-app purchases

None

Monarch Watch

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

MonarchPatch

Subscriptions4
  • Supporter Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Partner Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Supporter Yearly$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Partner Yearly$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Monarch Watch free?
Monarch Watch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MonarchPatch free?
MonarchPatch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Monarch Watch or MonarchPatch have ads?
MonarchPatch shows ads; Monarch Watch does not.
Which is updated more often, Monarch Watch or MonarchPatch?
Monarch Watch ships an update monthly, and MonarchPatch every 8 months. Most recently, Monarch Watch was updated on September 18, 2026 and MonarchPatch on September 13, 2026.

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