# The Waterbug App vs TurtleSAT

The clearest difference is review sentiment: The Waterbug App at 88% against TurtleSAT's 0%. The Waterbug App also leads on ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

The Waterbug App ships an update every 9 months, TurtleSAT every 22 months. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Waterbug App | TurtleSAT |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 months** | Every 22 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 59 MB | 34 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Michael Sharman](https://appshunter.io/developer/926215556) | [University of Western Sydney](https://appshunter.io/developer/666618434) |

## What reviewers say

### The Waterbug App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-waterbug-app/id926215557)

Identify freshwater invertebrates found in Australian waterways. Assess the health of rivers, creeks, and wetlands by observing these creatures. Contribute your findings to a national citizen science program.

**Highlights:** Waterbug identification, River health assessment, Citizen science contribution, Data submission, Australian freshwater invertebrates

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### TurtleSAT

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/turtlesat-mapping-tool/id1238032751)

This app allows communities to map the locations of freshwater turtles and their nests in waterways and wetlands. Your sightings help land managers track turtle movements and behavior to protect these declining populations.

**Highlights:** Map freshwater turtle sightings, Record turtle nest locations, Contribute to conservation efforts, Track turtle movement and behavior, User registration and login, Geolocation services for accurate mapping

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Waterbug App free?

The Waterbug App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is TurtleSAT free?

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

### Do The Waterbug App or TurtleSAT have ads?

TurtleSAT shows ads; The Waterbug App does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Waterbug App or TurtleSAT?

The Waterbug App ships an update every 9 months, and TurtleSAT every 22 months. Most recently, The Waterbug App was updated on September 8, 2026 and TurtleSAT on September 21, 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.*