DrakeEQ vs The Solar System
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
DrakeEQ
Explore the possibility of extraterrestrial life with a visually stunning calculator based on the Drake Equation. This app allows you to manipulate the equation's parameters and visualize galaxies in motion, offering an educational and entertaining experience.
- Drake Equation calculator
- Interactive 7 parameter manipulation
- Beautiful 3D galaxy visualizations
- Galaxene Galaxy Engine
- Educational and entertaining simulator
- Universe exploration
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Are we alone? We created DrakeEQ to provide a visually elegant answer to the extraterrestrial question, using the intellectually elegant Drake Equation. We coupled this fun calculator with beautiful, 3D galaxies in motion! To help us celebrate 15 years since the first release in 2009, DrakeEQ 7.0.0 now features our Galaxene Galaxy Engine! Use this fun simulator to graphically quantify the number of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations in our Milky Way Galaxy. Travel the Universe and explore infinitely variable galaxies! Just pinch anywhere and tap the targeting indicator. Perform thought experiments with this unique visual tool; it’s both educational and entertaining. Learn about the famous Drake Equation through direct manipulation of its 7 parameters with DrakeEQ. The Drake Equation states that: N = the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which communication might be possible where: R* = the average rate of star formation in our galaxy fp = the fraction of those stars that have planets ne = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets fℓ = the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop life at some point fi = the fraction of the above that actually go on to develop intelligent life fc = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space L = the length of time such civilizations release detectable signals into space. Drake Equation. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
The Solar System
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Use the latest in AR technology to bring the entire solar system right into your immediate environment with this augmented reality app. Imagine the immersive thrill of an augmented reality experience for your students who are studying the solar system. Walk around and move forward and back to get close-up views of each planet. The Solar System - AR adds a whole new dimension for science teachers who want to engage their students by providing unique learning experiences. Use the slider to select a planet in order to view it more closely and to learn about the planet by reading interesting information. The Solar System - AR uses Apple's ARKit and allows you to instantly view and learn about the solar system. It perfect for classrooms and will help get kids excited about exploring the information provided about each planet. In addition, tables of information are presented when icons are tapped. The information for each planet includes: length of day, distance from the sun, diameter, number of moons and mass. Note: Since camera access is required for AR experience please make sure that Settings -> General -> Restrictions -> Camera is set to allow access to the iPad camera.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: DrakeEQ at every 5 months against The Solar System's every 29 months. DrakeEQ also leads on price ($0.99 vs $1.99). The Solar System's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.5). On ads, in-app purchases 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
DrakeEQ costs $0.99 and The Solar System $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
DrakeEQ ships an update every 5 months, The Solar System every 29 months. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | DrakeEQ | The Solar System |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 — better | $1.99 |
| Rating | 2.7 (3 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 37.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 3 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months — better | Every 29 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPad |
| Requires iOS | 17.5 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 8 MB | 112 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Onomaly LLC | Ventura Educational Systems |
In-app purchases
DrakeEQ
No in-app purchases
The Solar System
No in-app purchases









