# Make a Bonsai vs Forest Tree Identifier

The clearest difference is rating: Forest Tree Identifier at 4.1 against Make a Bonsai's 3.6. Forest Tree Identifier also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 19 months) and ratings volume (818 vs 26). Make a Bonsai's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Forest Tree Identifier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Make a Bonsai asks for nothing beyond the download.

Forest Tree Identifier holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Forest Tree Identifier has 818 ratings behind it against 26, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 55% of Make a Bonsai's written reviews are positive against 23% of Forest Tree Identifier's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Make a Bonsai ships an update every 19 months, Forest Tree Identifier every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Make a Bonsai | Forest Tree Identifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (26 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/make-a-bonsai/id696977286/reviews) | **[4.1 (818 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forest-tree-identifier/id1293993638/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 26 | **818** |
| Positive reviews | **54.5% of reviews** | 22.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 186 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.1** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Bust Out Solutions, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/429552521) | [Ersin KAYALI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883707743) |

## What reviewers say

### Make a Bonsai

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/make-a-bonsai/id696977286)

Design and cultivate your own virtual bonsai tree from an infinite variety of species and starting points. Experiment with trimming techniques, learn about bonsai history, and even visit real bonsai gardens.

**Highlights:** Create virtual bonsai trees, Choose from multiple species, Trim branches for unique designs, Select pots for display, View in virtual collection, Learn bonsai tradition facts

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Forest Tree Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forest-tree-identifier/id1293993638)

Instantly identify trees using their leaves, flowers, bark, or buds with advanced AI. Explore a comprehensive tree list, compare species, and learn detailed information about each tree. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, students, and families exploring the outdoors.

**Highlights:** Identify trees from leaves, flowers, bark, buds, and twigs, Use photos or clear images for identification, Filter trees by leaf morphology, Compare and learn about trees from a comprehensive list, Access detailed tree history and location information, Choose Christmas trees with filters

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good app for learning about nature
- 🚀 Quick identification of trees
- 💡 Helpful for identifying fallen trees

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent or incorrect tree identification
- 👎 Not user-friendly, difficult to navigate
- 🚫 Lacks features for identifying trees without leaves
- 💰 Requires paid subscription for full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes on launch
- Information under images not fully visible

**Requested features**

- Regional filtering for tree species
- Ability to identify trees from photos
- More comprehensive coverage of North American trees
- Inclusion of bark and winter identification features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Make a Bonsai free?

Make a Bonsai is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Forest Tree Identifier free?

Forest Tree Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Make a Bonsai or Forest Tree Identifier?

Forest Tree Identifier is rated higher. Make a Bonsai averages 3.6 out of 5 from 26 ratings, while Forest Tree Identifier averages 4.1 from 818 ratings.

### Do Make a Bonsai or Forest Tree Identifier have ads?

Forest Tree Identifier shows ads; Make a Bonsai does not.

### Which is updated more often, Make a Bonsai or Forest Tree Identifier?

Make a Bonsai ships an update every 19 months, and Forest Tree Identifier every 6 days. Most recently, Make a Bonsai was updated on October 1, 2026 and Forest Tree Identifier on October 13, 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.*