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 application measures your experience of urban or rural living in the moment, using ecological momentary assessment to monitor how your surroundings affect your mental wellbeing. By participating, you'll gain access to a personalized report summarizing your experiences, and your anonymous data will help inform the planning of healthier cities and novel clinical interventions.

iNaturalist#2

iNaturalist by iNaturalist

Discover nature around you
Strong Contender
πŸ“š Education
3.9😐(523 ratings)
Free
#40in Education
iNaturalist screenshot 1
iNaturalist screenshot 2
iNaturalist screenshot 3
iNaturalist screenshot 4
iNaturalist screenshot 5
iNaturalist screenshot 6

Discover and identify various plants and animals in the wild with ease using this innovative application. Simply take a photo to receive detailed information and contribute to scientific research. Download now to explore the natural world like never before.

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

A nature-focused social network helping users identify and share observations of plants and animals. Connect with a community of scientists and naturalists to contribute to biodiversity research and learn more about nature. Explore visually similar species matches, share observations, and help advance scientific understanding of 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

"Join GLOBE Observer to contribute vital Earth observations to NASA and GLOBE, aiding in scientific research and understanding. This app offers features like cloud cover monitoring, mosquito habitat mapping, land cover documentation, and tree height estimation for users globally."

πŸ“š Education
(82)
5
SC Aquarium Citizen Science
SC Aquarium Citizen Science
SC Aquarium Citizen Science
by MOUNT DESERT ISLAND BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY
Free

Contribute to wildlife and environmental protection by sharing observations and viewing reports from others as a citizen scientist. Download the app to get involved and make a difference directly from your phone.

πŸ“š Education
(7)
6
Anecdata.org
Anecdata.org
Anecdata.org
Citizen science for everybody
Free
πŸ“š Education
(4)
7
ResearchGate
ResearchGate
ResearchGate
Access research on the go
Free

Access millions of research publications, connect with researchers, stay updated on new research, track your stats, and download full-texts with this app. Stay connected to the world of science on the go. Sign up now to explore!

🌐 Social Networking
(14K)
8
Zooniverse
Zooniverse
Zooniverse
by Zooniverse
Free

Join the world's largest platform for people-powered research, where volunteers help professional researchers make new discoveries and create useful datasets. By contributing, you can assist in enabling research that wouldn't be possible otherwise and stay updated on projects through the mobile app.

πŸ“š Education
(35)
9
New Scientist
New Scientist
New Scientist
Weekly Science News Magazine
Free

Stay informed with a trusted source for science news and inspiration covering a range of topics from AI to climate change. Download the app to access digital issues with existing subscriptions and stay updated on the latest innovations.

πŸ“‘ News
(5.2K)
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 Test with this comprehensive app featuring flashcards for all 100 questions, practice tests, state-specific information, and audio for studying on the go. Pass the Civics Test with ease and become a US citizen confidently.

πŸ“š Education
(104K)
11
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
Citizen Science
by NEW ZEALAND INSTITUTE FOR EARTH SCIENCE LIMITED
Free

This application enables the public to contribute to scientific research by collecting and submitting data for various surveys, making it easier for researchers to gather information and gain insights. By participating in these surveys, users can help advance scientific knowledge and access their submissions online, while also allowing other researchers to utilize the collected data for further studies.

πŸ“š Education
(0)
12
Arduino Science Journal
Arduino Science Journal
Arduino Science Journal
Think like a real scientist!
Free

An app that transforms smartphones into science notebooks, enabling students to gather data using phone and Arduino sensors, promoting interactive learning and experimentation for students aged 10-18. Enhance lesson plans and conduct experiments effortlessly.

πŸ“š Education
(1K)
13
Science for Kids by Tappity
Science for Kids by Tappity
Science for Kids by Tappity
K-5 Educational Learning Games
Free

An educational app for kids aged 4-10 offering over 500 science lessons, interactive videos, real-life experiments, and activities across various science topics. Engage with science experts, learn through play, and enjoy a 14-day free trial to unlock all content. Visit our website for FAQs and reach out to us at hey@tappityapp.com for assistance or feedback.

πŸ“š Education
(8.2K)
14
DISCOVER Magazine
DISCOVER Magazine
DISCOVER Magazine
by Discover Magazine Inc.
Free

Embark on an exciting science adventure with captivating developments in health, technology, and the environment through engaging stories and stunning photography. Stay informed with the latest news and breakthroughs in science by subscribing, with options for single issues or annual subscriptions available. Explore the world of science today!

πŸ“‘ News
(46)
15
GulfSeeLife
GulfSeeLife
GulfSeeLife
by Elemental Methods, LLC
Free

This app allows users to share observations of Gulf coast species with a community of nature enthusiasts and scientists, promoting collaborative research and conservation efforts. By taking pictures, recording details, and sharing findings, users can contribute to biodiversity research, interact with others, and earn recognition as a citizen scientist.

πŸ“š Education
(41)
16
Citizen Sky View
Citizen Sky View
Citizen Sky View
by University of Colorado Boulder
Free
πŸ“š Education
(1)
17
Leave No Trace Citizen Science
Leave No Trace Citizen Science
Leave No Trace Citizen Science
by Greg Newman
Free

This citizen science app empowers volunteers to monitor and help protect outdoor resources by tracking conditions over time. By joining the effort, users can contribute to cutting-edge education and research, ultimately helping to preserve the outdoors for responsible enjoyment.

πŸ“š Education
(1)
18
Science News Magazine
Science News Magazine
Science News Magazine
by Society for Science & the Public
Free

Stay informed on the latest scientific advancements with this app that provides access to biweekly magazines, real-time news updates, and a searchable archive covering various scientific disciplines. Subscribe for $29.99/year or get single issues for $1.99.

πŸ“‘ News
(21)
19
COSI Science
COSI Science
COSI Science
Center of Science and Industry
Free

Discover fun and engaging science activities at home with interactive videos, hands-on experiments, and virtual tours. Explore science challenges, citizen science projects, and museum exhibits to inspire curiosity and learning for you and your family.

πŸ“š Education
(27)
20
Scientific American
Scientific American
Scientific American
by Springer Nature America, Inc.
Free

A trusted source since 1845, this app offers expert insights on science and technology. Stay up to date on ground-breaking advancements and support science journalism by subscribing today.

πŸ“‘ News
(9.3K)

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