Comparison

PaleoMap vs Fossil Identifier

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

Head to head
About

PaleoMap

Discover a vast collection of paleobiology records and specimens from around the globe. This educational app provides access to over 170,000 entries, drawing data from the iDigBio collection. Explore Earth's ancient life through an extensive digital database.

Highlights
  • Explore 170,000+ paleobiology records
  • Access specimen data worldwide
  • Based on iDigBio collection
  • Educational exploration tool
  • Supports iPhone, iPad, iPod
Features
Read full description

Explore over 170,000 paleobiology records and specimens around the world! Based on the iDigBio collection.

About

Fossil Identifier

Features
Read full description

What fossil is this? Point your camera at any fossil, rock, bone, or dinosaur find and Fossil Identifier reveals what it is in seconds. Powered by advanced AI trained on thousands of specimens, it turns every beach walk, dig site, and backyard rock into a real discovery. Whether you are a curious kid, a weekend rockhound, a classroom teacher, or a serious collector, Fossil Identifier puts a pocket paleontologist in your hand. No guesswork, no thick reference books - just snap a photo and learn. WHAT YOU CAN IDENTIFY - Fossils: ammonites, trilobites, shark teeth, shells, corals, ferns - Dinosaur and animal bones, teeth, and skull fragments - Rocks, minerals, crystals, gems, and stones - Amber, meteorites, and other natural curiosities KEY FEATURES - Instant AI Identification: get a clear name and confidence result in seconds - Detailed Fossil Cards: species, common name, and scientific classification - Geological Era Info: discover if your find is Jurassic, Cretaceous, Cambrian, and how old it may be - Fun Facts: fascinating details about each creature and how it was preserved - Ask the AI Expert: chat with the built-in guide about habitat, formation, and value - Personal Collection: save every scan to your history and build your own museum - Works With Any Photo: snap a new picture or pick one from your gallery WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT - So simple anyone can use it - no expertise required - Perfect for beach trips, hikes, quarries, creek beds, and backyard digs - Great for homeschooling, science class, and rainy-day learning - Turns ordinary rocks into stories millions of years in the making HOW IT WORKS 1. Open the app and point your camera at the fossil, rock, or bone 2. Tap to scan - our AI analyzes shape, texture, and structure 3. Get an instant identification with era, facts, and details 4. Save it to your collection and ask follow-up questions PERFECT FOR - Fossil hunters and rockhounds - Geology and paleontology students - Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers - Museum visitors and nature explorers - Anyone who has ever asked "what is this rock?" SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION Fossil Identifier is free to download and includes a limited number of free identifications. Unlimited scanning and premium features require an auto-renewing subscription: - Weekly: $6.99 per week with a 3-day free trial - Yearly: $24.99 per year (Best Value - Save 70%) Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Your subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscriptions by going to your App Store account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Prices are in U.S. dollars, may vary by country, and are subject to change. Note: Fossil Identifier provides AI-generated identifications for educational and entertainment purposes and does not guarantee scientific accuracy or appraisal value. We would love your feedback! Reach out anytime and happy fossil hunting. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://rightfoods9.wordpress.com/2026/02/06/privacy-policy-for-fossil-identifier/

Screenshots

PaleoMap4 screens
Fossil Identifier4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PaleoMap at none against Fossil Identifier's 2. PaleoMap also leads on iOS requirement (15.2 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support 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. Fossil Identifier sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 7 days. PaleoMap asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PaleoMap ships an update every 2 months, Fossil Identifier every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
PaleoMap versus Fossil Identifier: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPaleoMapFossil Identifier
PriceFreeFree
Rating2.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 6 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.2 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size148 MB5 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJoseph ZhuBurak Guner

In-app purchases

None

PaleoMap

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Fossil Identifier

Subscriptions2
  • Weekly Premium3 Days trial$6.997 Days
  • Yearly Premium$24.991 Year

Questions

Is PaleoMap free?
PaleoMap is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Fossil Identifier free?
Fossil Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PaleoMap or Fossil Identifier have ads?
Neither PaleoMap nor Fossil Identifier shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PaleoMap or Fossil Identifier?
PaleoMap ships an update every 2 months, and Fossil Identifier every 6 weeks. Most recently, PaleoMap was updated on October 30, 2026 and Fossil Identifier on October 28, 2026.

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