# Explorer vs Queens Public Library

The clearest difference is rating: Explorer at 3.8 against Queens Public Library's 3.2. Explorer also leads on review sentiment (58% vs 29%) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 7 months). Queens Public Library's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Explorer holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 115 and 64 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Explorer's written reviews are positive against 29% of Queens Public Library's.

Explorer ships an update every 2 months, Queens Public Library every 7 months. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Explorer | Queens Public Library |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (115 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/explorer-amnh-nyc/id381227123/reviews)** | [3.2 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/queens-public-library/id810321930/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **115** | 64 |
| Positive reviews | **58.1% of reviews** | 29.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 7 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 88 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [American Museum of Natural History](https://appshunter.io/developer/351849240) | [Queens Borough Public Library](https://appshunter.io/developer/810321933) |

## 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


### Queens Public Library

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/queens-public-library/id810321930)

Access library services on your mobile device. Read, listen to, and watch materials, search the catalog, manage your account, and discover events. Connect with your local library community anywhere with a network connection.

**Highlights:** Read, listen, and watch materials, Search library catalog, Manage account information, Request books, Search and register for events, Find library locations, Join online community

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Convenient for requesting books
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 👍 Access to ebooks and eContent
- 👍 Barcode for library card
- 👍 Useful for checking availability

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes
- 🐛 App freezes often
- 🐛 Login issues
- 🐛 Search function broken
- 🐛 Scan function not working

**Reported bugs**

- Scan function doesn't work on iPhone
- App freezes when accepting terms
- App freezes when trying to accept terms
- Pages take a long time to load
- Search doesn't separate books and movies

**Requested features**

- Add renewal feature
- Add 'would read again' list
- Add 'favorite lists' or 'save for later'
- Add history of checked-out books
- Add option to rate books (1-5 stars)


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Explorer free?

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

### Is Queens Public Library free?

Queens Public Library is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Explorer or Queens Public Library?

Explorer is rated higher. Explorer averages 3.8 out of 5 from 115 ratings, while Queens Public Library averages 3.2 from 64 ratings.

### Do Explorer or Queens Public Library have ads?

Neither Explorer nor Queens Public Library shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Explorer or Queens Public Library?

Explorer ships an update every 2 months, and Queens Public Library every 7 months. Most recently, Explorer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Queens Public Library on October 23, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*