# Orbital Simulator vs Heliosphere

The clearest difference is rating: Orbital Simulator at 5.0 against Heliosphere's 3.0. Orbital Simulator also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ratings volume (6 vs 2). Heliosphere's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Heliosphere sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Orbital Simulator asks for nothing beyond the download.

Orbital Simulator holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6 and 2 respectively.

Orbital Simulator ships an update fortnightly, Heliosphere every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Orbital Simulator | Heliosphere |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732/reviews)** | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliosphere-solar-system/id6757491622/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 247 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Renzo Macedo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1403943580) | [CHUNGKIL KIM](https://appshunter.io/developer/960187999) |

## What reviewers say

### Orbital Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbital-simulator-explorer/id6511195732)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Heliosphere

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliosphere-solar-system/id6757491622)

Explore a real-time 3D simulation of the solar system, planets, moons, and spacecraft using accurate astronomical data. Learn about celestial bodies and space missions with educational content and quizzes.

**Highlights:** Real-time 3D solar system simulation, Live spacecraft tracking, Deep sky exploration, Comprehensive astronomy education, Time travel from 1900 to 2100, Planet-centric viewing mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Coffee | $2.99 | one-time |
| 3 Coffees | $8.99 | one-time |
| 5 Coffees | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Orbital Simulator free?

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

### Is Heliosphere free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Orbital Simulator or Heliosphere?

Orbital Simulator is rated higher. Orbital Simulator averages 5.0 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while Heliosphere averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Orbital Simulator or Heliosphere have ads?

Orbital Simulator shows ads; Heliosphere does not.

### Which is updated more often, Orbital Simulator or Heliosphere?

Orbital Simulator ships an update fortnightly, and Heliosphere every 3 days. Most recently, Orbital Simulator was updated on October 22, 2026 and Heliosphere on October 24, 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.*