# Google Earth vs Globe 3D

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Google Earth at none against Globe 3D's 10. Google Earth also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (45% vs 12%). Globe 3D's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 4.0). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Globe 3D sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Google Earth asks for nothing beyond the download.

Globe 3D holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Earth has 47K ratings behind it against 2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 45% of Google Earth's written reviews are positive against 12% of Globe 3D's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Earth | Globe 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (47K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-earth/id293622097/reviews) | **[4.2 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-3d-planet-earth-guide/id1205858913/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **47K** | 2K |
| Positive reviews | **44.6% of reviews** | 11.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#17** | #187 |
| Size | 158 MB | 239 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [Everyday Tools, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1007360552) |

## What reviewers say

### Google Earth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-earth/id293622097)

**Currently charting:** #17 Top Free · Travel (US App Store)

Explore the world with high-resolution satellite imagery and 3D terrain. Dive into streets with Street View and create collaborative, data-driven maps from anywhere.

**Highlights:** High-resolution satellite imagery, 3D terrain and building exploration, Street View 360° perspectives, Create and collaborate on maps, Data-driven mapping

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🌎 Ability to explore the world
- 👍 Useful for geography and education
- 🌍 Detailed satellite and street view imagery
- 🎨 3D mode for immersive experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🕰️ Outdated imagery and maps
- 🔍 Difficulty finding specific locations
- 🚧 Blurred or missing details in some areas
- 🛑 Restricted access to certain regions

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and freezes on mobile devices
- Inconsistent performance and quality across platforms
- Issues with loading and displaying street view

**Requested features**

- Update satellite and street view imagery more frequently
- Improve search and navigation functionality
- Add more 3D coverage for cities and landmarks
- Introduce a night mode or time-of-day feature
- Allow users to report outdated or missing information


### Globe 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-3d-planet-earth-guide/id1205858913)

**Currently charting:** #187 Top Grossing · Travel (US App Store)

Explore Earth in stunning detail with an interactive 3D globe. Discover landscapes, cultures, and landmarks, and view live webcams from around the world. Customize your experience and find locations easily with smart search.

**Highlights:** Interactive 3D globe, Live webcams, Panoramic views, Smart AI-search, Detailed map atlas, Customizable experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 month sub with a discount | $7.99 | per month |
| 1 Week Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| 3 months sub with a discount | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| New Panorama mode for 1 month | $19.99 | per month |
| 2 Months Subscription | $39.99 | per 2 months |
| New Panorama mode for 1 year | $49.99 | per year |
| New Panorama mode for 3 months | $59.99 | per 3 months |
| 6 Month Subscription | $79.99 | per 6 months |
| Special Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| Full Pack | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌍 Realistic and detailed globe
- 🎨 Beautiful and artistic design
- 🌐 Comprehensive global coverage

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 📢 Intrusive and excessive advertising
- 🔍 Limited zoom and exploration capabilities
- 🤔 Confusing navigation and user experience

**Reported bugs**

- Subscription issues and inability to cancel
- Incorrect or missing location data
- Crashes and performance issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to track magnetic pole movement
- Radio wave propagation visualization
- More interactive features and customization options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Earth free?

Google Earth is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Globe 3D free?

Globe 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Google Earth or Globe 3D?

Globe 3D is rated higher. Google Earth averages 4.0 out of 5 from 47K ratings, while Globe 3D averages 4.2 from 2K ratings.

### Do Google Earth or Globe 3D have ads?

Globe 3D shows ads; Google Earth does not.

### Which is updated more often, Google Earth or Globe 3D?

Google Earth ships an update fortnightly, and Globe 3D fortnightly. Most recently, Google Earth was updated on September 25, 2026 and Globe 3D on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Google Earth or Globe 3D?

Google Earth currently peaks at #17 in the App Store charts, and Globe 3D at #187. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*