# Monarch SOS vs Bug Identifier

Monarch SOS and Bug Identifier both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Monarch SOS's written reviews are positive against 50% of Bug Identifier's. Monarch SOS also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3). Bug Identifier's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bug Identifier sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Monarch SOS asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Monarch SOS against 4.7 for Bug Identifier. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 18 and 19 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Monarch SOS's written reviews are positive against 50% of Bug Identifier's.

Monarch SOS ships an update every 5 weeks, Bug Identifier every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Monarch SOS | Bug Identifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monarch-sos/id956347677/reviews) | **[4.7 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bug-identifier-insect-finder/id6477336669/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 18 | **19** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 176 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Naturedigger LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/658672412) | [Adrian Grotek](https://appshunter.io/developer/1769846014) |

## What reviewers say

### Monarch SOS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/monarch-sos/id956347677)

Identify monarch butterflies and their host plants with this comprehensive field guide. Learn about their life cycle, threats, and conservation efforts. Compare look-alike species and stay updated on migration news.

**Highlights:** Monarch identification guide, Life cycle stages, Confusing look-alike comparison, Milkweed species identification, Conservation efforts information, Migration news updates

**In-app purchases:** none


### Bug Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bug-identifier-insect-finder/id6477336669)

Instantly identify insects by taking a photo or uploading an image. Access a vast database with detailed information on thousands of species. Offers a user-friendly interface for quick and accurate insect recognition.

**Highlights:** Instant AI-powered insect identification, Identify from photo or camera, Extensive database of 7,000+ species, Detailed insect information, User-friendly interface, Ad-free premium experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Annual Subscription | $49.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Monarch SOS free?

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

### Is Bug Identifier free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Monarch SOS or Bug Identifier?

Bug Identifier is rated higher. Monarch SOS averages 4.6 out of 5 from 18 ratings, while Bug Identifier averages 4.7 from 19 ratings.

### Do Monarch SOS or Bug Identifier have ads?

Neither Monarch SOS nor Bug Identifier shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Monarch SOS or Bug Identifier?

Monarch SOS ships an update every 5 weeks, and Bug Identifier every 9 days. Most recently, Monarch SOS was updated on October 16, 2026 and Bug Identifier on October 24, 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.*