# Google Earth vs Webcams

The clearest difference is rating: Webcams at 4.5 against Google Earth's 4.0. Webcams also leads on review sentiment (67% vs 44%) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 17.0). Google Earth's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (47K vs 4.5K). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Webcams sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per year. Google Earth asks for nothing beyond the download.

Webcams holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Google Earth has 47K ratings behind it against 4.5K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Google Earth's written reviews are positive against 67% of Webcams's.

Google Earth ships an update fortnightly, Webcams monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Google Earth | Webcams |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (47K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/google-earth/id293622097/reviews) | **[4.5 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/webcams-earthcam/id853926670/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **47K** | 4.5K |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | **66.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#17** | #90 |
| Size | 158 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Google](https://appshunter.io/developer/281956209) | [EarthCam, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/301099122) |

## 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


### Webcams

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/webcams-earthcam/id853926670)

**Currently charting:** #90 Top Grossing · Travel (US App Store)

Explore the world through live HD video streams and high-resolution snapshots from a global network of cameras. Discover scenic destinations and landmarks, create personalized watchlists, and browse curated image archives. Enjoy virtual travel from your device.

**Highlights:** Live HD streaming video, Megapixel snapshot cameras, Global network of destinations, Personalized watchlist creation, Image archive exploration, Scenic and landmark views

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy All Webcam Subscription | $4.99 | per year |
| Buy All Webcam Packages | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great way to see the world
- 🌎 Interesting window to the world
- 🎉 Fabulous app!
- 🌅 Breathtaking views
- 🐦 Enjoy watching animals and nature

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Many cameras not functioning
- 🔍 Limited camera selection, mostly focused on US
- 💰 Paid subscription required to access full features
- 🔍 Difficult to find and organize favorite cameras
- 🔇 Lack of sound on some cameras

**Reported bugs**

- Cameras frequently go offline or show archived footage
- App crashes or becomes unresponsive
- Issues with restoring purchases on new devices

**Requested features**

- More international cameras, especially in Europe, Australia, and other regions
- Ability to rearrange and organize favorite cameras
- Add more camera locations, especially iconic landmarks and tourist destinations
- Improve camera quality and reliability
- Add sound to more cameras


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Google Earth free?

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

### Is Webcams free?

Webcams is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Google Earth or Webcams?

Webcams is rated higher. Google Earth averages 4.0 out of 5 from 47K ratings, while Webcams averages 4.5 from 4.5K ratings.

### Do Google Earth or Webcams have ads?

Neither Google Earth nor Webcams shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Google Earth or Webcams?

Google Earth ships an update fortnightly, and Webcams monthly. Most recently, Google Earth was updated on September 26, 2026 and Webcams on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Google Earth or Webcams?

Google Earth currently peaks at #17 in the App Store charts, and Webcams at #90. 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.*