# iNaturalist vs MapTap.gg

The clearest difference is review sentiment: MapTap.gg at 93% against iNaturalist's 49%. MapTap.gg also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (17K vs 719). iNaturalist's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.6). On price, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. MapTap.gg sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. iNaturalist asks for nothing beyond the download.

MapTap.gg holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MapTap.gg has 17K ratings behind it against 719, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 49% of iNaturalist's written reviews are positive against 93% of MapTap.gg's.

iNaturalist ships an update fortnightly, MapTap.gg weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iNaturalist | MapTap.gg |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (719 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/inaturalist/id6475737561/reviews) | **[4.9 (17K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maptapgg/id6755205355/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 719 | **17K** |
| Positive reviews | 48.6% of reviews | **93.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | #119 | **#63** |
| Size | 220 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iNaturalist](https://appshunter.io/developer/421397031) | [MapTap Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1852574722) |

## What reviewers say

### iNaturalist

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

**Currently charting:** #119 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


### MapTap.gg

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/maptapgg/id6755205355)

**Currently charting:** #63 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Explore world geography daily with a game that connects 5 new locations to historical events. Learn about unexpected heroes and world-changing stories on a beautiful 3D globe. Compete on leaderboards and earn badges.

**Highlights:** Daily geography challenges, Historical context for locations, Interactive 3D globe, Global leaderboards, Earn badges and streaks, Practice modes with curated challenges

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| MapTap+ Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| MapTap+ Yearly | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iNaturalist free?

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

### Is MapTap.gg free?

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

### Which has better reviews, iNaturalist or MapTap.gg?

MapTap.gg is rated higher. iNaturalist averages 4.1 out of 5 from 719 ratings, while MapTap.gg averages 4.9 from 17K ratings.

### Do iNaturalist or MapTap.gg have ads?

Neither iNaturalist nor MapTap.gg shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iNaturalist or MapTap.gg?

iNaturalist ships an update fortnightly, and MapTap.gg weekly. Most recently, iNaturalist was updated on November 4, 2026 and MapTap.gg on November 5, 2026.

### Which is more popular, iNaturalist or MapTap.gg?

iNaturalist currently peaks at #119 in the App Store charts, and MapTap.gg at #63. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*