# Explorer's Circle vs MJ Direct

The clearest difference is ads: MJ Direct at none against Explorer's Circle's shown. MJ Direct also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Explorer's Circle's advantage is rating (3.0 vs 2.8) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.5). On price, ratings volume, update cadence 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.

Explorer's Circle holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 2.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 12 respectively.

Explorer's Circle ships an update every 2 weeks, MJ Direct fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explorer's Circle | MJ Direct |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorers-circle/id1636003435/reviews)** | [2.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mj-direct/id6443822962/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **12** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 30 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Element 7, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1635619483) | [Mj Direct Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1649685271) |

## What reviewers say

### Explorer's Circle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorers-circle/id1636003435)

This app allows users to earn and track rewards points with every purchase, redeem personalized discounts, and place mobile orders for pickup. Stay informed about product launches, deals, and receive exclusive app promotions.

**Highlights:** Earn and track rewards points, Redeem personalized discounts, Mobile ordering for pickup, Real-time deal notifications, Refer-a-friend program, In-app messaging center

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### MJ Direct

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mj-direct/id6443822962)

Discover and order licensed cannabis products from California retailers. Browse edibles, flower, concentrates, and more with advanced filters for effects, cannabinoids, and moods. Access exclusive deals and save your favorites for quick reordering.

**Highlights:** Licensed cannabis retailer marketplace, Browse edibles, flower, concentrates, topicals, Advanced filters for effects and cannabinoids, Exclusive offers and subscription packages, Easy order process and saved favorites, Notifications for deals and discounts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explorer's Circle free?

Explorer's Circle is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is MJ Direct free?

MJ Direct is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Explorer's Circle or MJ Direct?

Explorer's Circle is rated higher. Explorer's Circle averages 3.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while MJ Direct averages 2.8 from 12 ratings.

### Do Explorer's Circle or MJ Direct have ads?

Explorer's Circle shows ads; MJ Direct does not.

### Which is updated more often, Explorer's Circle or MJ Direct?

Explorer's Circle ships an update every 2 weeks, and MJ Direct fortnightly. Most recently, Explorer's Circle was updated on September 22, 2026 and MJ Direct on October 6, 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.*