# MacroInvertebrates vs Aktiv Learning

The clearest difference is rating: MacroInvertebrates at 4.0 against Aktiv Learning's 3.2. MacroInvertebrates also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (100% vs 73%). Aktiv Learning's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 8 months) and ratings volume (184 vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aktiv Learning sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MacroInvertebrates asks for nothing beyond the download.

MacroInvertebrates holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Aktiv Learning has 184 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of MacroInvertebrates's written reviews are positive against 73% of Aktiv Learning's.

MacroInvertebrates ships an update every 8 months, Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MacroInvertebrates | Aktiv Learning |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macroinvertebrates/id895060595/reviews)** | [3.2 (184 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **184** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 72.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 24 MB | 95 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [University of Vermont](https://appshunter.io/developer/428584443) | [Top Hat Monocle](https://appshunter.io/developer/411098284) |

## What reviewers say

### MacroInvertebrates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macroinvertebrates/id895060595)

This educational tool provides a mobile interface to a comprehensive database of Vermont macroinvertebrates. It aids researchers in the field by offering quick identification of aquatic organisms found in local streams.

**Highlights:** Mobile interface for macroinvertebrate database, Quick identification of aquatic organisms, Updates from online resource, User-friendly field interface, Educational tool for researchers

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Aktiv Learning

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aktiv-learning/id1128486439)

This platform offers dynamic problems and interactive tools for college-level chemistry and math. It helps students visualize abstract STEM concepts and provides instructors with real-time insights into class understanding. Features include a mobile-friendly Lewis structure drawing tool and over 250 practice questions.

**Highlights:** Interactive Lewis structure drawing tool, Dynamic STEM problems, Real-time class results, Over 250 built-in practice questions, Create in-class or homework assignments, Isoform recognition for answers

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chem101 Course Activation | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 📱 Works seamlessly on both mobile and desktop
- 💡 Interactive problem-solving tools (Lewis structures, dimensional analysis)
- 🎯 Multiple attempts per question reduce fear of failure
- 📚 Detailed explanations and step-by-step solutions

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
- ⏱️ Extremely slow loading times
- 🔐 Login and authentication issues
- 📱 Drag-and-drop functionality malfunctions on iPad
- ❌ Confusing and unclear question directions

**Reported bugs**

- Pop-up warnings flicker and disappear too quickly
- Drag-and-drop fails 70% of the time on iOS
- App crashes on specific problems with no recovery
- Login errors and password reset failures
- Users locked out of questions permanently

**Requested features**

- In-app notification system for assignment reminders
- Ability to sign up for courses on mobile app
- Split-screen functionality on iPad
- Zoom capability for periodic table
- Reset button for Lewis structure questions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MacroInvertebrates free?

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

### Is Aktiv Learning free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MacroInvertebrates or Aktiv Learning?

MacroInvertebrates is rated higher. MacroInvertebrates averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Aktiv Learning averages 3.2 from 184 ratings.

### Do MacroInvertebrates or Aktiv Learning have ads?

Neither MacroInvertebrates nor Aktiv Learning shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MacroInvertebrates or Aktiv Learning?

MacroInvertebrates ships an update every 8 months, and Aktiv Learning every 3 weeks. Most recently, MacroInvertebrates was updated on October 5, 2026 and Aktiv Learning on October 14, 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.*