# Explorer vs ReadRivals

The clearest difference is rating: ReadRivals at 5.0 against Explorer's 3.8. ReadRivals also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). Explorer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (115 vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ReadRivals sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReadRivals holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Explorer has 115 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Explorer ships an update every 2 months, ReadRivals weekly. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explorer | ReadRivals |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (115 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorer-amnh-nyc/id381227123/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readrivals/id6804312961/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **115** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 58.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 88 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.5 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [American Museum of Natural History](https://appshunter.io/developer/351849240) | [ReadRivals LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1851897794) |

## 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


### ReadRivals

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/readrivals/id6804312961)

Practice reading aloud and track your progress with interactive challenges. Compete against AI or friends, and receive detailed feedback on your performance to improve reading speed and accuracy.

**Highlights:** Read aloud practice, AI reading challenges, Compete with friends, Detailed performance feedback, AI-powered reading assistance, Progress tracking

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ReadRivals Basic Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| ReadRivals Pro Monthly | $19.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explorer free?

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

### Is ReadRivals free?

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

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

ReadRivals is rated higher. Explorer averages 3.8 out of 5 from 115 ratings, while ReadRivals averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Explorer or ReadRivals have ads?

Neither Explorer nor ReadRivals shows ads.

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

Explorer ships an update every 2 months, and ReadRivals weekly. Most recently, Explorer was updated on November 6, 2026 and ReadRivals on November 6, 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.*