Monarch Watch vs MonarchPatch
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Monarch tagging data submission
- Recovery and calendar data logging
- Automatic tag image capture
- Streamlined data entry
- Offline data saving
- Educational materials
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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.
MonarchPatch
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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
Verdict
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
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.
Monarch Watch ships an update monthly, MonarchPatch every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Monarch Watch | MonarchPatch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (7 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 7 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 8 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 — better | 16.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 86 MB | 48 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | The University of Kansas | Cetalingua, LLC |
In-app purchases
Monarch Watch
No in-app purchases
MonarchPatch
- Supporter Monthly$0.991 Month
- Partner Monthly$9.991 Month
- Supporter Yearly$9.991 Year
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- Partner Yearly$99.991 Year
Questions
Is Monarch Watch free?
Is MonarchPatch free?
Do Monarch Watch or MonarchPatch have ads?
Which is updated more often, Monarch Watch or MonarchPatch?
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