Best Citizen Scientist Apps

196+ iOS apps curated and reviewed

4.4 avg rating
20 free apps
Updated May 2026

From beginner-friendly picks to power-user tools, our citizen scientist list covers 196+ iPhone apps updated through May 2026. Compare ratings, prices, and screenshots in one place.

Top Picks for Citizen Scientist

Citizen Scientist#1

Citizen Scientist by NOMAD.ORG.UK LTD

Editor's Choice
πŸ₯ Medical
5.0(1 ratings)
Free
Citizen Scientist screenshot 1
Citizen Scientist screenshot 2
Citizen Scientist screenshot 3
Citizen Scientist screenshot 4

This app uses ecological momentary assessment to track how your environment impacts your mental wellbeing. It prompts you with questions, allows for photos and audio recordings, and provides personalized reports. Your anonymous data helps researchers understand environmental influences on mental health.

iNaturalist#2

iNaturalist by iNaturalist

Discover nature around you
Strong Contender
πŸ“š Education
4.0😐(558 ratings)
Free
#33in Education
iNaturalist screenshot 1
iNaturalist screenshot 2
iNaturalist screenshot 3
iNaturalist screenshot 4
iNaturalist screenshot 5
iNaturalist screenshot 6

Identify plants, animals, and fungi using your camera or imported photos. Get AI-powered species suggestions and connect with a global community of nature enthusiasts to learn more about the natural world and contribute to scientific conservation efforts.

What We Love

  • πŸš€ Faster and more intuitive UI
  • πŸ‘ Improved features from website
  • πŸ’‘ Batch upload and sorting options
  • πŸš€ Responsive and smooth performance

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Bugs with observation time and location
  • πŸ” Difficulty finding advanced editing options
  • πŸ” Overly complex UI for basic tasks
iNaturalist Classic#3

iNaturalist Classic by iNaturalist

Connect with Nature
Worth Considering
πŸ“š Education
4.6😊(4.6K ratings)
Free
iNaturalist Classic screenshot 1
iNaturalist Classic screenshot 2

Record and identify species encounters with a simple interface. Contribute to scientific research and learn about biodiversity. Connect with other nature enthusiasts and explore the natural world.

What We Love

  • πŸ‘ Helpful for identifying plants, animals, and fungi
  • 🀝 Supportive community of experts
  • 🌱 Contributes to citizen science and research
  • πŸ” Accurate identification suggestions

Room to Improve

  • πŸ› Occasional crashes or bugs
  • πŸ” Difficulty finding/sorting observations
  • πŸ”’ Privacy concerns around data sharing

More Citizen Scientist apps to explore

4
GLOBE Observer
GLOBE Observer
GLOBE Observer
The app of the GLOBE program.
Free

Contribute to real scientific research by making environmental observations. Document clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees using your mobile device. Your data supports scientists worldwide, including NASA and NOAA.

Make environmental observationsDocument cloudsMap mosquito habitats
πŸ“š Education
(82)
free
5
SC Aquarium Citizen Science
SC Aquarium Citizen Science
SC Aquarium Citizen Science
by MOUNT DESERT ISLAND BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY
Free

Become a citizen scientist for the South Carolina Aquarium. Record wildlife observations, view community reports, and contribute to environmental protection efforts. This platform is powered by Anecdata.org, a free citizen science resource.

Record wildlife observationsView community reportsContribute to environmental protection
πŸ“š Education
(7)
free
6
Anecdata.org
Anecdata.org
Anecdata.org
Citizen science for everybody
Free

This platform empowers users to create, manage, and participate in citizen science projects. It facilitates data collection in the field, even offline, and supports project analysis and download.

Project creation and managementDatasheet designParticipant invitation
πŸ“š Education
(4)
free
7
ResearchGate
ResearchGate
ResearchGate
Access research on the go
Free

Access over 150 million scientific publications and connect with millions of researchers worldwide. Stay updated on new research in your field, track your academic stats, and download full-text articles for offline reading.

Access 150+ million publicationsConnect with 20+ million researchersStay updated on new research
🌐 Social Networking
(14K)
free with in-app purchases
8
Zooniverse
Zooniverse
Zooniverse
by The Adler Planetarium
Free

Participate in real scientific research by classifying data for projects across various disciplines. Contribute to discoveries and datasets that advance knowledge, all from your mobile device. This platform connects volunteers with professional researchers for impactful citizen science.

People-powered research platformVolunteer opportunitiesAccess to mobile-friendly projects
πŸ“š Education
(36)
free
9
New Scientist
New Scientist
New Scientist
Weekly Science News Magazine
Free

Access award-winning journalism on science and technology. Read daily news, watch videos, and listen to podcasts covering topics from AI to quantum physics. Log in with your subscription for full access.

Daily news updatesLatest issue accessScience videos
πŸ“‘ News
(5.2K)
free with in-app purchases
10
US Citizenship Test 2026 Plus
US Citizenship Test 2026 Plus
US Citizenship Test 2026 Plus
USCIS Civics Test Study Guide
Free

Prepare for the US Citizenship Civics Test with flashcards, practice tests, and audio for all 100 official questions. Includes state-specific information and real-time updates on government officials. Aimed at helping applicants pass their naturalization interview.

100 official civics questions and answersFlashcards in sequential or random orderPractice tests with customizable difficulty
πŸ“š Education
(104K)
free with in-app purchases
11
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
by NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE FOR EARTH SCIENCE LIMITED
Free

Contribute to real scientific research by easily entering data for various surveys. Participate in projects like snow depth measurement or storm assessment, with your submissions visible on a dedicated website. This platform facilitates public involvement in scientific discovery and data collection.

Public data entry for scientific surveysVariety of seasonal and year-round projectsView submissions on the Citizen Science website
πŸ“š Education
(0)
free
12
Arduino Science Journal
Arduino Science Journal
Arduino Science Journal
Think like a real scientist!
Free

Transform your smartphone into a science notebook. Use your device's sensors and connect external hardware to gather real-time data, conduct experiments, and analyze findings. Ideal for students to explore the world scientifically.

Use smartphone sensorsConnect external Arduino sensorsRecord and analyze real-time data
πŸ“š Education
(1K)
free
13
Science for Kids by Tappity
Science for Kids by Tappity
Science for Kids by Tappity
K-5 Educational Learning Games
Free

Engage young learners with interactive science lessons and experiments. Developed by educators, this app covers over 100 science topics for children aged 4-10, featuring real instructors and a curriculum aligned with science standards.

500+ science lessons, activities, and storiesReal-life teacher interactionThousands of interactive science videos
πŸ“š Education
(8.2K)
free with in-app purchases
14
DISCOVER Magazine
DISCOVER Magazine
DISCOVER Magazine
by Discover Magazine Inc.
Free

Explore captivating advancements in science, medicine, technology, and the world. This app offers stunning photography and easy-to-understand articles on complex topics, connecting you with leading scientific ideas and minds.

Captivating science developmentsSpectacular photographyUnderstandable stories on complex subjects
πŸ“‘ News
(46)
free with in-app purchases
15
GulfSeeLife
GulfSeeLife
GulfSeeLife
by Elemental Methods, LLC
Free

Become a citizen scientist by documenting and sharing your observations of the Gulf coast. Help identify species, contribute to research projects, and connect with a community dedicated to preserving biodiversity. Earn rewards for your participation.

Share nature observations with photos and locationsIdentify species without AI assistanceParticipate in collaborative research projects
πŸ“š Education
(41)
free
16
Citizen Sky View
Citizen Sky View
Citizen Sky View
by University of Colorado Boulder
Free

Participate in a NASA-sponsored citizen science project to study cloud formation. Coordinate with the project team for events, then use your phone to capture images of the sky at assigned locations and times. Your contributions help researchers learn more about atmospheric science.

Citizen science participationCloud formation researchEvent coordination
πŸ“š Education
(1)
free
17
Leave No Trace Citizen Science
Leave No Trace Citizen Science
Leave No Trace Citizen Science
by Greg Newman
Free

Empower volunteers to monitor outdoor resource conditions over time. This citizen science application supports the mission of protecting natural spaces through responsible enjoyment and education.

Citizen science data collectionResource condition monitoringOutdoor ethics education
πŸ“š Education
(1)
free
18
Science News Magazine
Science News Magazine
Science News Magazine
by Society for Science & the Public
Free

Access real-time science news and full magazine articles across diverse disciplines. Explore archives, adjust reading settings, and stay informed about the latest discoveries in fields like astronomy, genetics, and ecology.

Real-time science news updatesFull magazine articlesArchive search
πŸ“‘ News
(21)
free with in-app purchases
19
COSI Science
COSI Science
COSI Science
Center of Science and Industry
Free

Explore science at home with engaging videos and hands-on activities. Participate in citizen science projects or take virtual tours. This app brings the Center of Science and Industry's educational content to your family.

At-home science discoveryEngaging science videosHands-on science activities
πŸ“š Education
(27)
free
20
Scientific American
Scientific American
Scientific American
by Springer Nature America, Inc.
Free

Access expert insights on groundbreaking science and technology advances. Stay informed with news, commentary, and in-depth features from leading scientists. Explore the modern world through a trusted lens.

Expert science and technology insightsNews and commentary on current eventsIn-depth features by Nobel laureates
πŸ“‘ News
(9.3K)
subscription

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