# StarMap 3D+ Plus vs Exoplanet Explorer

The clearest difference is price: Exoplanet Explorer at Free against StarMap 3D+ Plus's $2.99. Exoplanet Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 weeks) and review sentiment (100% vs 86%). StarMap 3D+ Plus's advantage is ratings volume (6.8K vs 70) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Exoplanet Explorer is free to download; StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99 up front. StarMap 3D+ Plus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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+ Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StarMap 3D+ Plus has 6.8K ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 86% of StarMap 3D+ Plus'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+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, Exoplanet Explorer every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarMap 3D+ Plus | Exoplanet Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d-plus-plus/id351986992/reviews)** | [4.6 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.8K** | 70 |
| Positive reviews | 86.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 576 MB | 169 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | **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+ Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d-plus-plus/id351986992)

Explore the cosmos with a portable star atlas. Identify planets, constellations, and deep sky objects using your device's sensors. Features detailed information and 3D visualizations for both beginners and advanced astronomers.

**Highlights:** Real-time satellite tracking (ISS, Hubble), Extensive star and deep sky object database, Detailed constellation information and lines, Location-based celestial object identification, 3D universe visualization, Adjustable date and time for celestial viewing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| More Stars | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Excellent star mapping and identification
- 🔍 Detailed information on celestial objects
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🔭 Helpful for amateur astronomers
- 🌍 Works well across locations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional tracking/alignment issues
- 🔍 Lack of detailed instructions/guides
- 🔒 Privacy concerns regarding data collection
- 🎨 Dislike for cartoon-style constellation art

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes on launch
- Incorrect moon and planet positioning
- Inconsistent performance after updates

**Requested features**

- More detailed deep sky object representations
- Improved tracking and compass accuracy
- Addition of educational content and tutorials
- Customization options for constellation art


### 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+ Plus free?

StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99, 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+ Plus or Exoplanet Explorer?

StarMap 3D+ Plus is rated higher. StarMap 3D+ Plus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.8K ratings, while Exoplanet Explorer averages 4.6 from 70 ratings.

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

Neither StarMap 3D+ Plus nor Exoplanet Explorer shows ads.

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

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, and Exoplanet Explorer every 2 weeks. Most recently, StarMap 3D+ Plus was updated on September 24, 2026 and Exoplanet Explorer on September 24, 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.*