# DR.Orbit vs Stars and Planets

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Stars and Planets at 89% against DR.Orbit's 0%. Stars and Planets also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.0) and ratings volume (1.3K vs 1). DR.Orbit's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and ads (none vs shown). On price and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stars and Planets sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. DR.Orbit asks for nothing beyond the download.

Stars and Planets holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Stars and Planets has 1.3K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of DR.Orbit's written reviews are positive against 89% of Stars and Planets's.

DR.Orbit ships an update weekly, Stars and Planets fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DR.Orbit | Stars and Planets |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drorbit/id697764304/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stars-and-planets-astronomy/id1170904676/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **1.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **88.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 726 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.1** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel Roth](https://appshunter.io/developer/356650850) | [Andrei Nistorescu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1048905386) |

## What reviewers say

### DR.Orbit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/drorbit/id697764304)

Explore orbital mechanics by simulating how masses orbit a central gravitational pull. Use your finger to guide a mass into a stable orbit, with options for visual effects and device-based control.

**Highlights:** Simulate orbital mechanics, Guide masses into stable orbits, Adjust trajectory with finger input, Introduce simulated drag, Enable visual enhancements, Control movement via device tilt

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Stars and Planets

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stars-and-planets-astronomy/id1170904676)

Explore the cosmos in a 3D universe simulator powered by NASA and ESA data. Journey to millions of stars, land on exoplanets, and delve into the mysteries of black holes and pulsars. Discover breathtaking landscapes and gain knowledge from cutting-edge space research.

**Highlights:** 3D universe simulation, Spacecraft flight simulation, Exoplanet exploration, Gas giant atmosphere exploration, Black hole and pulsar exploration, Extensive astronomical database, Multi-language support

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Buy ship - Dragon Frigate SALE | $0.99 | one-time |
| Alien Destroyer SALE | $0.99 | one-time |
| Alien fighter SALE | $0.99 | one-time |
| Buy ship - Alien Destroyer | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy ship - Alien fighter | $1.99 | one-time |
| Buy ship - Dragon Frigate | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads - SALE | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $3.99 | one-time |
| Essentials bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate bundle SALE | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate bundle | $8.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing graphics and details
- 👍 Realistic space exploration experience
- 💡 Ability to walk on planets
- 🔍 Detailed information about celestial objects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional glitches and bugs
- 🌍 Lack of diversity in planet textures and landscapes
- 🔍 Limited search and navigation functionality
- 🌌 Absence of other galaxies and nebulae

**Reported bugs**

- Planets sometimes have incorrect or glitched textures
- Occasional freezing or crashing when navigating
- Difficulty landing on or interacting with smaller celestial objects

**Requested features**

- Add more diverse planet types and landscapes
- Implement a more robust search and filtering system
- Include other galaxies, nebulae, and deep space objects
- Allow for custom solar system/galaxy creation
- Introduce multiplayer and collaborative exploration


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DR.Orbit free?

DR.Orbit is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Stars and Planets free?

Stars and Planets is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, DR.Orbit or Stars and Planets?

Stars and Planets is rated higher. DR.Orbit averages 2.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Stars and Planets averages 4.7 from 1.3K ratings.

### Do DR.Orbit or Stars and Planets have ads?

Stars and Planets shows ads; DR.Orbit does not.

### Which is updated more often, DR.Orbit or Stars and Planets?

DR.Orbit ships an update weekly, and Stars and Planets fortnightly. Most recently, DR.Orbit was updated on October 7, 2026 and Stars and Planets on October 26, 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.*