Comparison

Monarch SOS vs MonarchPatch

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Monarch SOS

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
Read full description

Monarch SOS is a field guide for the public as well as a citizen science reporting app. It is the first monarch app developed by scientists that covers monarch identification in all life cycle stages, confusing look-alikes and numerous milkweed species (monarchs' larval host plants), frequently encountered in North America. Monarch SOS is a valuable tool for learning about monarch butterflies, threats they face and how everyone can help bring back the monarchs by making a few simple lifestyle changes. If viceroy and queen butterflies confuse you, quickly learn the differences in the "Compare" section under each butterfly. Keep up with the latest information on monarch conservation efforts and migration news by checking in daily with What's New? The feed is updated every time you open the app, so you'll always be in the loop!

About

MonarchPatch

Features
Read full description

Monarch Patch is a comprehensive app designed for butterfly enthusiasts to meticulously track their rearing, observation, and sighting efforts. Users can monitor how their cohorts are progressing, identify predation or health issues, and evaluate the performance of specific milkweed species. The app provides deep insights into survival and success rates, turning personal observations into meaningful data. Beyond individual tracking, Monarch Patch showcases collective community efforts, allowing you to see how nearby patches are performing within your own zip code. The app offers robust basic functionality for free, with more advanced features available through paid tiers. Users can generate specialized "data cards" for patches, cohorts, and observations; these cards summarize your success and are designed to be easily shared on social media or printed for physical records. Finally, the app serves as a vital resource hub, offering users the latest news and updates, a directory of nearby nurseries with milkweed availability, monarch-related events, gear recommendations, and a library of guides and tutorials.

Screenshots

Monarch SOS4 screens
MonarchPatch4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Monarch SOS at none against MonarchPatch's 4. Monarch SOS also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 8 months). On price there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MonarchPatch sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Monarch SOS asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Monarch SOS ships an update every 5 weeks, MonarchPatch every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on July 4, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Monarch SOS versus MonarchPatch: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMonarch SOSMonarchPatch
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (18 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings18 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 8 months
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS13.0 — better16.4
Further details — not scored
Size176 MB48 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperNaturedigger LLCCetalingua, LLC

In-app purchases

None

Monarch SOS

No in-app purchases

4 purchases

MonarchPatch

Subscriptions4
  • Supporter Monthly$0.991 Month
  • Partner Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Supporter Yearly$9.991 Year
Show 1 more
  • Partner Yearly$99.991 Year

Questions

Is Monarch SOS free?
Monarch SOS is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is MonarchPatch free?
MonarchPatch is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Monarch SOS or MonarchPatch have ads?
MonarchPatch shows ads; Monarch SOS does not.
Which is updated more often, Monarch SOS or MonarchPatch?
Monarch SOS ships an update every 5 weeks, and MonarchPatch every 8 months. Most recently, Monarch SOS was updated on July 4, 2026 and MonarchPatch on September 13, 2026.

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