# MAD vs Merge Explorer

The clearest difference is rating: Merge Explorer at 4.1 against MAD's 3.5. Merge Explorer also leads on ratings volume (279 vs 14) and update cadence (monthly vs every 3 months). MAD's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and review sentiment (67% vs 46%). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Explorer sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. MAD asks for nothing beyond the download.

Merge Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Merge Explorer has 279 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of MAD's written reviews are positive against 46% of Merge Explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

MAD ships an update every 3 months, Merge Explorer monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MAD | Merge Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mad-store/id939406790/reviews) | **[4.1 (279 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **279** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 46.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 39 MB | 1.3 GB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MAD-learn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1272124741) | [Merge Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/1253049593) |

## What reviewers say

### MAD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mad-store/id939406790)

This platform allows students and teachers to preview and showcase apps they create using a mobile app development program. It provides a space to present innovative ideas, receive feedback, and potentially gain global recognition for student-created applications.

**Highlights:** Preview student-created apps, Showcase app creations, Enter 9-digit preview codes, Receive feedback on apps, Potential for global publication

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Merge Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-explorer/id1453098606)

Explore over 100 interactive science simulations using a smartphone and a Merge Cube. Investigate volcanoes, sharks, the solar system, and more with hands-on activities and quizzes. Ideal for K-8 students learning science at school or home.

**Highlights:** Over 100 science simulations, Interactive Merge Cube experiences, Hands-on learning activities, Built-in quizzes, NGSS-aligned K-8 curriculum, Physical, Life, and Earth/Space Science topics

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Merge EDU Individual | $9.99 | per month |
| Explorer Premium Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Merge EDU Individual | $99.99 | per year |
| Explorer Premium Annual | $99.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy for young students
- 💡 Flexible for lesson needs
- 🔬 Used for research and experiments
- 💡 Introduces new content exploratorily
- 🤩 Engaging and versatile for learning

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive purchase
- 💰 Forced subscription for software
- 💰 Cannot view software before paying
- 💰 Money trap
- 💰 Only for rich people

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on iPad
- App crashes when pressing play
- Camera not working in app
- Black screen when using cube or camera
- VR function broken

**Requested features**

- Make the app free to play
- Add more fun things, not just learning
- Bring back the fun apps (time bomb, block courses)
- Allow users to create their own games for the merge cube
- Add a way to reset quizzes for class sets of devices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MAD free?

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

### Is Merge Explorer free?

Merge Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, MAD or Merge Explorer?

Merge Explorer is rated higher. MAD averages 3.5 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Merge Explorer averages 4.1 from 279 ratings.

### Do MAD or Merge Explorer have ads?

Neither MAD nor Merge Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MAD or Merge Explorer?

MAD ships an update every 3 months, and Merge Explorer monthly. Most recently, MAD was updated on October 11, 2026 and Merge Explorer on October 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*