# MacroInvertebrates vs Rockd

The clearest difference is rating: Rockd at 4.4 against MacroInvertebrates's 4.0. Rockd also leads on ratings volume (185 vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 8 months). MacroInvertebrates's advantage is review sentiment (100% vs 74%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.6). 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.

Rockd holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Rockd has 185 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 100% of MacroInvertebrates's written reviews are positive against 74% of Rockd's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MacroInvertebrates ships an update every 8 months, Rockd every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MacroInvertebrates | Rockd |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macroinvertebrates/id895060595/reviews) | **[4.4 (185 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rockd/id1153056624/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **185** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 73.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 24 MB | 259 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [University of Vermont](https://appshunter.io/developer/428584443) | [University of Wisconsin-Madison Shared Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/908478605) |

## 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


### Rockd

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rockd/id1153056624)

Discover and document the geology around you. Access global geologic maps, 3D globes, and detailed summaries of your surroundings. Contribute your own observations and track your exploration of Earth's geologic history.

**Highlights:** Interactive global geologic maps, 3D virtual globe exploration, Field observation logging, Offline map caching, Paleogeographic map access, Stratigraphic column viewing, Geologic literature integration

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🗺️ Comprehensive geological maps with detailed information
- 💡 Innovative integration of peer-reviewed references and literature
- 🧭 Built-in Brunton compass and clinometer tools
- 📱 User-friendly interface and intuitive navigation
- 🌍 Global coverage with paleomaps and stratigraphic data

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Black map display issues in offline and online modes
- 📍 GPS tracking and real-time position updates failing
- 🔌 Offline functionality severely limited or broken
- 🔐 Persistent login requirement without password saving
- ⚠️ Error dialogs that won't dismiss

**Reported bugs**

- Black map display in airplane mode and online
- Persistent error dialogs that cannot be dismissed
- GPS not tracking in real-time
- Offline check-ins not syncing properly
- Sign-up page jumps between fields and login page

**Requested features**

- Follow/friend mechanic to track other users' check-ins
- Rock identification tool from photo uploads
- Offline map download with customizable zoom levels
- Stereonet tool for structural geology
- Groundwater/aquifer information section


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MacroInvertebrates free?

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

### Is Rockd free?

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

### Which has better reviews, MacroInvertebrates or Rockd?

Rockd is rated higher. MacroInvertebrates averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Rockd averages 4.4 from 185 ratings.

### Do MacroInvertebrates or Rockd have ads?

Neither MacroInvertebrates nor Rockd shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MacroInvertebrates or Rockd?

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