# Star Exploration vs 3D Star Map

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: 3D Star Map at none against Star Exploration's 1. 3D Star Map also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 10 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Star Exploration sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 3D Star Map asks for nothing beyond the download.

Star Exploration ships an update every 10 months, 3D Star Map every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Star Exploration | 3D Star Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.4 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-star-map/id6758356924/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **9** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 10 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 5 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [振华 许](https://appshunter.io/developer/1437340417) | [Alexander Winn](https://appshunter.io/developer/652547902) |

## What reviewers say

### Star Exploration

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-exploration/id6479958031)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Version | $0.99 | one-time |


### 3D Star Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-star-map/id6758356924)

Explore over 700 stars in our local star cluster in a 3D space simulation. Zoom, rotate, and learn about neighboring star systems with detailed information available on tap. Perfect for research or satisfying cosmic curiosity.

**Highlights:** 3D space exploration, Over 700 local stars, Detailed star information, Zoom, rotate, and move, Relaxing animations, Educational content

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Star Exploration free?

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

### Is 3D Star Map free?

3D Star Map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Star Exploration or 3D Star Map have ads?

Neither Star Exploration nor 3D Star Map shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Star Exploration or 3D Star Map?

Star Exploration ships an update every 10 months, and 3D Star Map every 2 weeks. Most recently, Star Exploration was updated on September 20, 2026 and 3D Star Map on September 1, 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.*