# GPlates vs Quantum

The clearest difference is rating: Quantum at 4.8 against GPlates's 3.0. Quantum also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 44%) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 6 months). GPlates's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Quantum sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. GPlates asks for nothing beyond the download.

Quantum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Quantum has 151 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of GPlates's written reviews are positive against 81% of Quantum's.

GPlates ships an update every 6 months, Quantum every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | GPlates | Quantum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gplates/id6447170583/reviews) | **[4.8 (151 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quantum-particle-life/id6504465371/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **151** |
| Positive reviews | 44.4% of reviews | **81.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 57 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Xiaodong Qin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1661896637) | [GEORGY OSTROBROD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875865758) |

## What reviewers say

### GPlates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gplates/id6447170583)

Explore Earth's geological history by reconstructing and visualizing spatial data through geological time. This tool offers an intuitive interface for students, teachers, researchers, and enthusiasts to understand our planet's evolution.

**Highlights:** Reconstruct spatial data, Visualize geological time, Intuitive interface, Explore Earth's history, Plate reconstruction software

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Quantum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quantum-particle-life/id6504465371)

Explore the hidden world of particles with a real-time simulator. Model up to 10,000 particles and experiment with natural phenomena like crystallization and orbital mechanics. Customize interactions and visualize results dynamically.

**Highlights:** Real-time particle simulation, Model up to 10,000 particles, Simulate natural phenomena, Four distinct particle classes, Customizable rules editor, Dynamic visualizations, Interactive control

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Developer tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Developer tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Developer tip | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is GPlates free?

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

### Is Quantum free?

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

### Which has better reviews, GPlates or Quantum?

Quantum is rated higher. GPlates averages 3.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Quantum averages 4.8 from 151 ratings.

### Do GPlates or Quantum have ads?

Neither GPlates nor Quantum shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, GPlates or Quantum?

GPlates ships an update every 6 months, and Quantum every 5 weeks. Most recently, GPlates was updated on October 27, 2026 and Quantum on October 30, 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.*