Comparison

Orbital Simulator vs 3

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Orbital Simulator

Explore orbital mechanics through interactive simulations and real-time solar system data. Learn about Kepler's Laws, practice orbital maneuvers, and engage in mission objectives. Ideal for students and space enthusiasts.

Highlights
  • Interactive orbital simulations
  • Kepler's Laws visualization
  • Orbital maneuver practice
  • Real-time solar system view
  • Customizable orbital parameters
  • Detailed educational content
  • Mission-based challenges
Features
Read full description

Embark on an interactive journey through space with Orbital Simulator: Explore. This comprehensive app is designed to educate and engage users of all levels, from space enthusiasts to students, offering a deep dive into the fascinating world of orbital mechanics. Key Features: Interactive Simulations: Experiment with circular, elliptical, and hyperbolic orbits. See how changing parameters like semi-major axis, eccentricity, and inclination affect trajectories. Kepler’s Laws: Visualize and understand Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion with clear, interactive simulations. Orbital Maneuvers: Practice key maneuvers such as Hohmann transfers, Lambert transfers, and circularizations. Learn how these maneuvers are used in real space missions. Real-Time Solar System: View real-time positions of planets and moons within our solar system. Understand how celestial bodies interact and move over time. Customizable Parameters: Adjust orbital parameters and see the immediate effects on your spacecraft's trajectory. Experiment with different scenarios and learn through hands-on experience. Educational Content: Access detailed explanations, tutorials, and guides designed to enhance your understanding of space mechanics and celestial navigation. Dynamic Environment: Navigate complex gravitational fields in various scenarios, including binary star systems and multi-body interactions. Mission Objectives: Engage in missions that challenge you to establish orbits, perform transfers, and navigate through dynamic environments. Each mission helps you apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. Visual Trajectory Paths: Visualize the path of your spacecraft with real-time trajectory lines. Understand the impact of your maneuvers and improve your navigation skills. Why Choose Orbital Simulator: Explore? For Space Enthusiasts and Students: Whether you’re a budding astronomer or a seasoned space enthusiast, this app offers valuable insights and engaging content for all levels. Educational Tool: Ideal for classroom settings or individual study, providing interactive and immersive learning experiences. User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive controls and clear visuals make it easy to understand complex concepts. Constant Updates: We continuously update the app with new features, scenarios, and educational content to keep your learning experience fresh and relevant. Download Orbital Simulator: Explore now and embark on your journey through the stars. Master the art of orbital mechanics, explore the intricacies of celestial navigation, and experience the wonder of the cosmos. Join a community of space enthusiasts and students who are exploring the universe, one orbit at a time. Ready to become an orbital mechanic? Your adventure starts here!

About

3

Explore the wonders of gravity with this 2D N-body simulator. Experiment with celestial mechanics, create mesmerizing patterns, and customize your simulations. It's a fun and educational playground for anyone curious about physics.

Highlights
  • Simulate gravity interactions
  • Explore preset configurations
  • Customize body size, color, and trails
  • Educational and fun physics experiments
  • Create mesmerizing visual patterns
Features
Read full description

Explore the Wonders of Gravity with 3-Body - A 2D N-Body Simulator! Dive into the fascinating world of physics with 3-Body, a unique 2D N-body simulator inspired by the famous “3-Body Problem” in physics (also the book series and now Netflix show). Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a fan of celestial mechanics, or just looking for something cool to play with, 3-Body offers a fun and educational experience. Key Features: • Simulate Gravity: Watch as bodies with mass interact with each other, forming complex and mesmerizing patterns as they move under the influence of gravity. • Preset Configurations: Explore stable configurations such as the figure-eight orbit of three bodies, a circular orbit of three masses, or a large body orbited by smaller ones. • Customization: Unleash your creativity by customizing the size, color, and trails of the bodies you create. Tailor each simulation to your liking and see how it affects the system. • Educational & Fun: While the app is primarily informational, it’s also incredibly fun to experiment with. Whether you’re learning about gravitational physics or just enjoying the visual spectacle, 3-Body has something for everyone. Why 3-Body? 3-Body isn’t just a tool—it’s a playground for your imagination. With no specific goal other than to explore, discover, and enjoy, this app brings the wonders of gravity to your fingertips. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just someone curious about the universe, 3-Body is sure to captivate and entertain you. Download 3-Body today and embark on your journey through the cosmos!

Screenshots

Orbital Simulator4 screens
34 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: 3 at none against Orbital Simulator's shown. 3 also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). Orbital Simulator's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Orbital Simulator against 5.0 for 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 3 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Orbital Simulator ships an update fortnightly, 3 monthly. Both last shipped on October 22, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Orbital Simulator versus 3: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOrbital Simulator3
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (6 ratings)5.0 (3 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6 — better3
Update frequencyFortnightly — betterMonthly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supportedFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size247 MB9 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperRenzo MacedoCubic Insights LLC

Customer experience

Orbital Simulator

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

3

All ratings3 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Orbital Simulator

No in-app purchases

None

3

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Orbital Simulator free?
Orbital Simulator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is 3 free?
3 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Orbital Simulator or 3?
Orbital Simulator and 3 are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 6 and 3 ratings respectively.
Do Orbital Simulator or 3 have ads?
Orbital Simulator shows ads; 3 does not.
Which is updated more often, Orbital Simulator or 3?
Orbital Simulator ships an update fortnightly, and 3 monthly. Most recently, Orbital Simulator was updated on October 22, 2026 and 3 on October 22, 2026.

Other comparisons