# 3D Elements vs Orrery

The clearest difference is price: Orrery at Free against 3D Elements's $1.99. Orrery also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months). 3D Elements's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Orrery is free to download; 3D Elements costs $1.99 up front. Orrery sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. 3D Elements asks for nothing beyond the download.

3D Elements ships an update every 4 months, Orrery every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3D Elements | Orrery |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orrery-a-solar-system/id6788141567/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **26** |
| Positive reviews | — | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 7 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **17.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alejandro Hernandez Mitre](https://appshunter.io/developer/1827109770) | [Thu Van Ngo](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782177457) |

## What reviewers say

### 3D Elements

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-elements/id6777505684)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Orrery

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orrery-a-solar-system/id6788141567)

Explore a dynamic 3D model of the solar system with real-time planetary motion and historical events. Features narrated stories, AR capabilities, and educational mini-lessons. Unlock the full solar system with a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** 3D solar system model with real motion, Augmented Reality (AR) mode, Narrated stories and vital statistics, Historical time travel events, Interactive educational mini-lessons, Home screen widget, Cosmic quiz

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Whole Solar System | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3D Elements free?

3D Elements costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Orrery free?

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

### Do 3D Elements or Orrery have ads?

Neither 3D Elements nor Orrery shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 3D Elements or Orrery?

3D Elements ships an update every 4 months, and Orrery every 5 days. Most recently, 3D Elements was updated on October 27, 2026 and Orrery 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.*