# MacroInvertebrates vs Forest Tree Identifier

MacroInvertebrates and Forest Tree Identifier both sit at 4.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of MacroInvertebrates's written reviews are positive against 23% of Forest Tree Identifier's. MacroInvertebrates also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). Forest Tree Identifier's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 8 months) and ratings volume (818 vs 1). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Forest Tree Identifier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. MacroInvertebrates asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for MacroInvertebrates against 4.1 for Forest Tree Identifier. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Forest Tree Identifier has 818 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of MacroInvertebrates's written reviews are positive against 23% of Forest Tree Identifier's.

MacroInvertebrates ships an update every 8 months, Forest Tree Identifier every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MacroInvertebrates | Forest Tree Identifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/macroinvertebrates/id895060595/reviews) | **[4.1 (818 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forest-tree-identifier/id1293993638/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **818** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 22.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 24 MB | 186 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [University of Vermont](https://appshunter.io/developer/428584443) | [Ersin KAYALI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1883707743) |

## 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


### Forest Tree Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/forest-tree-identifier/id1293993638)

Instantly identify trees using their leaves, flowers, bark, or buds with advanced AI. Explore a comprehensive tree list, compare species, and learn detailed information about each tree. Ideal for nature enthusiasts, students, and families exploring the outdoors.

**Highlights:** Identify trees from leaves, flowers, bark, buds, and twigs, Use photos or clear images for identification, Filter trees by leaf morphology, Compare and learn about trees from a comprehensive list, Access detailed tree history and location information, Choose Christmas trees with filters

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Subscription | $5.99 | per month |
| Annual Subscription | $19.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good app for learning about nature
- 🚀 Quick identification of trees
- 💡 Helpful for identifying fallen trees

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent or incorrect tree identification
- 👎 Not user-friendly, difficult to navigate
- 🚫 Lacks features for identifying trees without leaves
- 💰 Requires paid subscription for full functionality

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes on launch
- Information under images not fully visible

**Requested features**

- Regional filtering for tree species
- Ability to identify trees from photos
- More comprehensive coverage of North American trees
- Inclusion of bark and winter identification features


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MacroInvertebrates free?

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

### Is Forest Tree Identifier free?

Forest Tree Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MacroInvertebrates or Forest Tree Identifier?

Forest Tree Identifier is rated higher. MacroInvertebrates averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Forest Tree Identifier averages 4.1 from 818 ratings.

### Do MacroInvertebrates or Forest Tree Identifier have ads?

Forest Tree Identifier shows ads; MacroInvertebrates does not.

### Which is updated more often, MacroInvertebrates or Forest Tree Identifier?

MacroInvertebrates ships an update every 8 months, and Forest Tree Identifier every 6 days. Most recently, MacroInvertebrates was updated on October 5, 2026 and Forest Tree Identifier 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.*