# Edutool HOV Apps vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Merge Explorer at 46% against Edutool HOV Apps's 0%. Edutool HOV Apps's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Edutool HOV Apps asks for nothing beyond the download.

Edutool HOV Apps ships an update every 6 weeks, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Edutool HOV Apps | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **279** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **46.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 170 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Edu Apps (Mal) Sdn. Bhd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1490792227) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### Edutool HOV Apps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/edutool-hov-apps/id579362503)

This augmented reality app brings 3D models to life when scanned with special books and cards. It combines physical and digital learning to keep children engaged and enhance understanding across a wide range of educational topics.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality 3D models, Interactive learning with physical products, Wide range of educational topics, Supports preschool to secondary school, Combines online and offline learning, Enhances book learning

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merge Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606)

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

**Highlights:** Over 100 science simulations, Interactive Merge Cube experiences, Hands-on learning activities, Built-in quizzes, NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum, Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Explorer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |
| Explorer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for young students
- 💡 Flexible for lesson needs
- 🔬 Used for research and experiments
- 💡 Introduces new content exploratorily
- 🤩 Engaging and versatile for learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive purchase
- 💰 Forced subscription for software
- 💰 Cannot view software before paying
- 💰 Money trap
- 💰 Only for rich people

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to play
- Add more fun things, not just learning
- Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
- Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
- Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Edutool HOV Apps free?

Edutool HOV Apps is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Do Edutool HOV Apps or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither Edutool HOV Apps nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Edutool HOV Apps or Merge Explorer?

Edutool HOV Apps ships an update every 6 weeks, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, Edutool HOV Apps was updated on November 6, 2026 and Merge Explorer on November 2, 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.*