# ShellLens vs Shell ID

The clearest difference is update cadence: Shell ID at every 5 weeks against ShellLens's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. ShellLens sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days and Shell ID sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ShellLens ships an update every 3 months, Shell ID every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShellLens | Shell ID |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shell-id-sea-shell-identifier/id6773709142/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Size | 8 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ryo Tsudukihashi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1320583602) | [ProductiveTap](https://appshunter.io/developer/430553438) |

## What reviewers say

### ShellLens

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelllens-seashell-ai-guide/id6757253733)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |


### Shell ID

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shell-id-sea-shell-identifier/id6773709142)

Identify seashells using AI, organize your finds into a personal collection, and learn detailed information about each species. Discuss shell topics with AI and export your collection as a PDF.

**Highlights:** AI Shell Identification, AI Shell Chat, Personal Shell Collection, Comprehensive Shell Information, Personal Notes, PDF Export, Backup & Restore

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShellLens free?

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

### Is Shell ID free?

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

### Do ShellLens or Shell ID have ads?

Neither ShellLens nor Shell ID shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShellLens or Shell ID?

ShellLens ships an update every 3 months, and Shell ID every 5 weeks. Most recently, ShellLens was updated on September 21, 2026 and Shell ID on September 22, 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.*