# BatLib vs iNaturalist

The clearest difference is update cadence: iNaturalist at fortnightly against BatLib's every 26 months. iNaturalist also leads on chart position (#80 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

BatLib ships an update every 26 months, iNaturalist fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BatLib | iNaturalist |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.1 (684 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist/id6475737561/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **684** |
| Positive reviews | — | 48.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 26 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#80** |
| Size | 38 MB | 220 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Elekon AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1591447845) | [iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/developer/421397031) |

## What reviewers say

### BatLib

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/batlib/id6469684050)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### iNaturalist

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist/id6475737561)

**Currently charting:** #80 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Identify plants, animals, and fungi using your camera or imported photos. Get AI-powered species suggestions and connect with a global community of nature enthusiasts to learn more about the natural world and contribute to scientific conservation efforts.

**Highlights:** AI species identification, Record species observations, Contribute to scientific data, Explore biodiversity, Connect with nature enthusiasts

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Faster and more intuitive UI
- 👍 Improved features from website
- 💡 Batch upload and sorting options
- 🚀 Responsive and smooth performance
- 👍 Easier to navigate and use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs with observation time and location
- 🔍 Difficulty finding advanced editing options
- 🔍 Overly complex UI for basic tasks
- 🔍 Removal of useful features like map view
- 🔍 Too much reliance on AI identification

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes when suggesting IDs on audio clips
- Inconsistent tap responsiveness in search menu
- Observation time not accurately filling based on upload time
- Map showing incorrect observation locations
- Crashes and performance issues on some devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to type in address/coordinates for location
- Option to add observations to projects during upload
- Batch editing/uploading of observations
- More precise search filters (e.g. aquatic, parasitic, migratory)
- Bring back colored observation markers on map


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BatLib free?

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

### Is iNaturalist free?

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

### Do BatLib or iNaturalist have ads?

Neither BatLib nor iNaturalist shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BatLib or iNaturalist?

BatLib ships an update every 26 months, and iNaturalist fortnightly. Most recently, BatLib was updated on September 29, 2026 and iNaturalist on October 18, 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.*