# MudWatt Explorer vs GLOBE Observer

The clearest difference is rating: GLOBE Observer at 3.1 against MudWatt Explorer's 2.8. GLOBE Observer also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and ratings volume (86 vs 14). MudWatt Explorer's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

GLOBE Observer holds the better App Store score, 3.1 against 2.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: GLOBE Observer has 86 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 25% of MudWatt Explorer's written reviews are positive against 34% of GLOBE Observer's.

MudWatt Explorer ships an update every 6 months, GLOBE Observer every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MudWatt Explorer | GLOBE Observer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.8 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mudwatt-explorer/id813029960/reviews) | **[3.1 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **86** |
| Positive reviews | 25.0% of reviews | **33.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 100 MB | 5 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Trygve Enterprises LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/813029963) | [NASA](https://appshunter.io/developer/355542146) |

## What reviewers say

### MudWatt Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mudwatt-explorer/id813029960)

This app helps you track the power output and bacteria population of your MudWatt device. It provides graphical data, allows sharing, and includes an educational comic about microbial life. Unlock new story chapters by achieving higher power and population levels.

**Highlights:** Measure and track MudWatt power, Estimate and track bacteria population, Record and share power data, Educational comic about microbes, Unlock comic chapters with progress

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### GLOBE Observer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/globe-observer/id1090456751)

Contribute to real scientific research by making environmental observations. Document clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees using your mobile device. Your data supports scientists worldwide, including NASA and NOAA.

**Highlights:** Make environmental observations, Document clouds, Map mosquito habitats, Record land cover, Measure tree height, Contribute to scientific research

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for citizen science
- 💡 Educational and informative
- 👍 Easy to use (for some)
- 👍 Meaningful environmental measurements
- 👍 Fun and engaging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Login/update issues
- 🐛 Account creation problems
- 🐛 Observations not submitting
- 🐛 Poor UI/UX design

**Reported bugs**

- Checking for updates loop
- 504 error on account creation
- Fails after step 5 in account creation
- Robot verification loop
- App crashes on opening

**Requested features**

- Improve UI/UX design
- Add dark mode
- Better translation
- Notifications for satellite flyovers
- Integrate with WorldView or Google Earth


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MudWatt Explorer free?

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

### Is GLOBE Observer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MudWatt Explorer or GLOBE Observer?

GLOBE Observer is rated higher. MudWatt Explorer averages 2.8 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while GLOBE Observer averages 3.1 from 86 ratings.

### Do MudWatt Explorer or GLOBE Observer have ads?

Neither MudWatt Explorer nor GLOBE Observer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MudWatt Explorer or GLOBE Observer?

MudWatt Explorer ships an update every 6 months, and GLOBE Observer every 2 months. Most recently, MudWatt Explorer was updated on October 5, 2026 and GLOBE Observer on October 8, 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.*