# Explorer vs GettyGuide

The clearest difference is rating: GettyGuide at 4.2 against Explorer's 3.9. GettyGuide also leads on chart position (#197 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 16.0). Explorer's advantage is review sentiment (58% vs 50%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

GettyGuide holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 108 and 43 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 58% of Explorer's written reviews are positive against 50% of GettyGuide'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 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 31, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explorer | GettyGuide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (108 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorer-amnh-nyc/id381227123/reviews) | **[4.2 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gettyguide/id1488527711/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **108** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **58.1% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#197** |
| Size | 88 MB | 31 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.4** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [American Museum of Natural History](https://appshunter.io/developer/351849240) | [J. Paul Getty Trust](https://appshunter.io/developer/498585966) |

## What reviewers say

### Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorer-amnh-nyc/id381227123)

Navigate a world-renowned museum with ease. This app provides interactive maps, turn-by-turn directions to exhibits and amenities, and personalized recommendations based on your interests. Enhance your visit with behind-the-scenes content and engaging quizzes.

**Highlights:** Interactive museum map, Turn-by-turn directions, Customized exhibit recommendations, Exhibit information and quizzes, Amenity finder (restrooms, shops), Multi-language support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🗺️ Accurate indoor navigation and turn-by-turn directions
- 📍 Real-time location tracking within museum
- 🎯 Helpful exhibit search and discovery features
- 🚻 Easy access to restroom and facility locations
- 📱 User-friendly interface and design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and freezing issues
- 📍 Location detection fails inconsistently
- 🔋 Excessive battery drain from Bluetooth usage
- 🌐 Poor performance without WiFi connection
- 🗺️ Outdated maps missing recent renovations

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when accessing membership/ticket linking
- Location services fail to detect user position
- Bluetooth continues tracking after app closes
- Payment confirmation button unresponsive
- Duplicate charges on payment attempts

**Requested features**

- Digital membership card storage
- Apple Pay support for payments
- Search function for exhibits
- Swipe functionality for image galleries
- To-do list based on interests and time


### GettyGuide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gettyguide/id1488527711)

**Currently charting:** #197 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Discover unique perspectives on art with audio tours and immersive experiences of exhibitions and outdoor spaces. Navigate Getty's locations, explore art with diverse commentary, and plan your visit with essential information.

**Highlights:** Thematic audio tours, Explore art on-demand, Mood Journeys for unique experiences, Exhibition and event information, Location-aware navigation map, Dining and shopping details, Multilingual audio content

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explorer free?

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

### Is GettyGuide free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Explorer or GettyGuide?

GettyGuide is rated higher. Explorer averages 3.9 out of 5 from 108 ratings, while GettyGuide averages 4.2 from 43 ratings.

### Do Explorer or GettyGuide have ads?

Neither Explorer nor GettyGuide shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Explorer or GettyGuide?

Explorer ships an update every 2 months, and GettyGuide every 2 months. Most recently, Explorer was updated on August 31, 2026 and GettyGuide on June 5, 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.*