# Heliosphere vs 3D Star Map

The clearest difference is review sentiment: 3D Star Map at 100% against Heliosphere's 50%. 3D Star Map also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). Heliosphere's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

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

3D Star Map holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 3D Star Map has 10 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Heliosphere's written reviews are positive against 100% of 3D Star Map's.

Heliosphere ships an update every 3 days, 3D Star Map every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Heliosphere | 3D Star Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heliosphere-solar-system/id6757491622/reviews) | **[4.5 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-star-map/id6758356924/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **10** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 37 MB | 100 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CHUNGKIL KIM](https://appshunter.io/developer/960187999) | [Alexander Winn](https://appshunter.io/developer/652547902) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### 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 Heliosphere free?

Heliosphere 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.

### Which has better reviews, Heliosphere or 3D Star Map?

3D Star Map is rated higher. Heliosphere averages 3.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while 3D Star Map averages 4.5 from 10 ratings.

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

Neither Heliosphere nor 3D Star Map shows ads.

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

Heliosphere ships an update every 3 days, and 3D Star Map every 2 weeks. Most recently, Heliosphere was updated on October 24, 2026 and 3D Star Map 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.*