# StarMap 3D vs Exoplanet Explorer

The clearest difference is price: Exoplanet Explorer at Free against StarMap 3D's $1.99. Exoplanet Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and review sentiment (100% vs 89%). StarMap 3D's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 70). On ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Exoplanet Explorer is free to download; StarMap 3D costs $1.99 up front. StarMap 3D sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Exoplanet Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 3 months. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StarMap 3D holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StarMap 3D has 1.4K ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 89% of StarMap 3D's written reviews are positive against 100% of Exoplanet Explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

StarMap 3D ships an update every 6 weeks, Exoplanet Explorer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarMap 3D | Exoplanet Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d/id324038407/reviews)** | [4.6 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 70 |
| Positive reviews | 88.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 111 MB | 171 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sanville Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/324038410) | [Carsten Knoblich](https://appshunter.io/developer/541438854) |

## What reviewers say

### StarMap 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d/id324038407)

Explore the night sky with this astronomy guide. It uses your device's sensors to identify planets, constellations, and deep sky objects in real-time. Discover detailed information about celestial bodies and visualize the universe in 3D.

**Highlights:** Real-time celestial object identification, Augmented reality night sky view, Detailed information on stars and deep sky objects, Constellation artwork and line options, Location-based celestial mapping, 3D universe visualization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Constellation Artwork | $0.99 | one-time |
| More Stars | $0.99 | one-time |
| More Stars | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate mapping of stars and planets
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Useful for learning about the night sky
- 🌟 Provides a great stargazing experience
- 🔭 Helpful for amateur astronomers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional inaccuracies in mapping
- 🧭 Compass/directional issues
- 🌌 Limited information on deep sky objects
- 🕰️ Time slider could be more intuitive

**Reported bugs**

- Calendar integration issues
- Incorrect positioning of celestial bodies

**Requested features**

- Improved 3D mode and controls
- More detailed information on planets, stars, and galaxies
- Alerts for upcoming astronomical events
- Option to search for specific celestial objects


### Exoplanet Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833)

Explore a vast catalog of over 6,000 confirmed exoplanets with detailed scientific data. Compare worlds, visualize habitable zones, and track new discoveries. Ideal for stargazers, students, educators, and researchers.

**Highlights:** 6,000+ confirmed exoplanets, Detailed scientific data, Advanced filtering and sorting, Planet comparison tool, Habitable zone analysis, Home screen widgets, Apple Watch companion app

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 months subscription | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| 12 months subscription | $6.99 | per year |
| Big supporting tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Really big supporting tip | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarMap 3D free?

StarMap 3D costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Exoplanet Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StarMap 3D or Exoplanet Explorer?

StarMap 3D is rated higher. StarMap 3D averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while Exoplanet Explorer averages 4.6 from 70 ratings.

### Do StarMap 3D or Exoplanet Explorer have ads?

Neither StarMap 3D nor Exoplanet Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarMap 3D or Exoplanet Explorer?

StarMap 3D ships an update every 6 weeks, and Exoplanet Explorer every 2 weeks. Most recently, StarMap 3D was updated on October 27, 2026 and Exoplanet Explorer on October 25, 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.*