# Tuning Fork Study vs Smithsonian

The clearest difference is price: Smithsonian at Free against Tuning Fork Study's $1.99. Smithsonian also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 37 months). Tuning Fork Study's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Smithsonian is free to download; Tuning Fork Study costs $1.99 up front. Smithsonian sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Tuning Fork Study asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tuning Fork Study ships an update every 37 months, Smithsonian every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tuning Fork Study | Smithsonian |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 37 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 224 MB | 285 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VIRTUAL FILAMENTS PRIVATE LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1474217212) | [PlayDate Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/652113715) |

## What reviewers say

### Tuning Fork Study

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tuning-fork-study-edutech-era/id6444695848)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Smithsonian

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smithsonian-planets/id6504839302)

Explore the solar system with interactive games and animations. Learn fascinating facts about planets, moons, and the asteroid belt. Designed for curious young minds to introduce astronomy basics.

**Highlights:** Fascinating facts about the solar system, Mini games like Space Winter Rush, Interactive activities, Educational animations, Read to Me text, Collect planet badges

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy 5 Planets | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tuning Fork Study free?

Tuning Fork Study costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Smithsonian free?

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

### Do Tuning Fork Study or Smithsonian have ads?

Neither Tuning Fork Study nor Smithsonian shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tuning Fork Study or Smithsonian?

Tuning Fork Study ships an update every 37 months, and Smithsonian every 3 months. Most recently, Tuning Fork Study was updated on October 10, 2026 and Smithsonian on October 9, 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.*