# ZipGrade vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is rating: ZipGrade at 4.9 against Merge Explorer's 4.1. ZipGrade also leads on review sentiment (86% vs 46%) and ratings volume (36K vs 279). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ZipGrade sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ZipGrade holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: ZipGrade has 36K ratings behind it against 279, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of ZipGrade's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's.

ZipGrade ships an update every 6 weeks, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZipGrade | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zipgrade/id635077270/reviews)** | [4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **36K** | 279 |
| Positive reviews | **86.0% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 30 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZipGrade LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/582826575) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### ZipGrade

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zipgrade/id635077270)

Instantly grade multiple-choice tests and quizzes using your device's camera. This app offers a fast and accurate way for educators to assess student work, with features for organizing and exporting results. It provides immediate feedback to inform lesson planning and assignments.

**Highlights:** Instant grading with device camera, Supports multiple choice tests and quizzes, Organizes and exports results (PDF, Excel), Free answer sheet templates available, Companion website for data management, Stores results by student, subject, and quiz

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Add 1 year of use | $6.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Efficient grading
- 👍 Instant feedback for students
- 📊 Detailed data analysis
- 💰 Affordable subscription
- ⏱️ Time-saving

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent scanning issues
- 🔍 Difficulty navigating interface
- 🔢 Lack of class/student grouping options
- 🖼️ Poor image quality for student names

**Reported bugs**

- Scanning issues with flat surface detection
- Incorrect answer marking due to eraser marks

**Requested features**

- Ability to change question point values in bulk
- Option to create/edit answer keys on website
- Support for non-multiple choice question types
- Improved data export/integration with other systems


### 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 ZipGrade free?

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

### Is Merge Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, ZipGrade or Merge Explorer?

ZipGrade is rated higher. ZipGrade averages 4.9 out of 5 from 36K ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.

### Do ZipGrade or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither ZipGrade nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ZipGrade or Merge Explorer?

ZipGrade ships an update every 6 weeks, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, ZipGrade was updated on October 15, 2026 and Merge Explorer on October 12, 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.*