# PassFinder vs Exoplanet Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Exoplanet Explorer at 100% against PassFinder's 39%. Exoplanet Explorer also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.1) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). PassFinder's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, ratings volume, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Exoplanet Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 3 months. PassFinder asks for nothing beyond the download.

Exoplanet Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 30 and 70 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of PassFinder's written reviews are positive against 100% of Exoplanet Explorer's.

PassFinder ships an update every 3 months, Exoplanet Explorer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PassFinder | Exoplanet Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.1 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passfinder/id721125800/reviews) | **[4.6 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 30 | **70** |
| Positive reviews | 39.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 5 MB | 171 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Christian Hansen](https://appshunter.io/developer/721033532) | [Carsten Knoblich](https://appshunter.io/developer/541438854) |

## What reviewers say

### PassFinder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/passfinder/id721125800)

Track the International Space Station's visible passes over your location. Receive precise timing information to observe the ISS with the naked eye.

**Highlights:** ISS pass tracking, Visible pass notifications, Naked-eye observation guidance, Location-based timing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Exoplanet Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/exoplanet-explorer/id1457614833)

Explore a vast catalog of over 6,000 confirmed exoplanets with detailed scientific data. Compare worlds, visualize habitable zones, and track new discoveries. Ideal for stargazers, students, educators, and researchers.

**Highlights:** 6,000+ confirmed exoplanets, Detailed scientific data, Advanced filtering and sorting, Planet comparison tool, Habitable zone analysis, Home screen widgets, Apple Watch companion app

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 months subscription | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| 12 months subscription | $6.99 | per year |
| Big supporting tip | $2.99 | one-time |
| Really big supporting tip | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PassFinder free?

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

### Is Exoplanet Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, PassFinder or Exoplanet Explorer?

Exoplanet Explorer is rated higher. PassFinder averages 3.1 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while Exoplanet Explorer averages 4.6 from 70 ratings.

### Do PassFinder or Exoplanet Explorer have ads?

Neither PassFinder nor Exoplanet Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PassFinder or Exoplanet Explorer?

PassFinder ships an update every 3 months, and Exoplanet Explorer every 2 weeks. Most recently, PassFinder was updated on October 20, 2026 and Exoplanet Explorer on October 25, 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.*