Best Explore The Universe Apps & Games

248+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.6 avg rating
19 free apps & games
Updated October 2026

Cosmic Atlas is the household name in explore the universe, but it's far from the only option. We track 248+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Compare top Explore The Universe Apps & Games (October 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Cosmic AtlasCosmic AtlasFree3.7★ (65)NoYesOct 2026
2Solar Walk Lite - PlanetariumSolar Walk Lite - PlanetariumFree4.6★ (33K)YesNoNov 2026
3Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The UniverseSolar Walk 2 Ads+:The UniverseFree4.7★ (6.8K)YesYesNov 2026
4Stars and Planets - AstronomyStars and Planets - AstronomyFree4.7★ (1.3K)YesYesNov 2026
5SkyView® LiteSkyView® LiteFree4.5★ (19K)YesYesNov 2026
6Space Photos: Explore UniverseSpace Photos: Explore UniverseFree4.9★ (223)NoNoOct 2026
7Space Agency 2138Space Agency 2138Free4.3★ (228)NoYesNov 2026
8Big Bang ARBig Bang ARFree4.5★ (202)NoNoOct 2026

Top Picks for Explore The Universe

Cosmic Atlas#1

Cosmic Atlas by Cosmic Atlas LLC

Explore the universe
Editor's Choice
📚 Education
3.7😐(65 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Cosmic Atlas screenshot 1
Cosmic Atlas screenshot 2
Cosmic Atlas screenshot 3
Cosmic Atlas screenshot 4
Cosmic Atlas screenshot 5
Cosmic Atlas screenshot 6

Explore a vast, scientifically rendered universe with lifelike exoplanets and detailed celestial bodies. Navigate through trillions of light years with multiple exploration modes, from first-person flight to telescopic identification. Discover and learn about thousands of planets beyond our solar system.

What We Love

  • ✨ Stunning visuals and graphics
  • 🌌 Immersive exploration experience
  • 📚 Great for learning about the universe
  • 💡 Unique and original app
  • 🚀 Fast and smooth performance (when working)
  • 👍 Fun and engaging gameplay
  • 🌟 Detailed exoplanet models
  • 💯 High-quality app
  • 💖 Labor of love from developers

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and errors
  • 💸 Paywalls limit free version
  • 🤔 Confusing in-app purchases
  • 📱 Text size difficult to read
  • 😵 Over-the-top and irritating graphics
  • 🧭 Difficult navigation
  • 🚫 App doesn't open/load
  • 📉 Downgraded features after purchase
Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium#2

Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium by Vito Technology Inc.

Planets System & Astronomy 3D
Strong Contender
🔍 Reference
4.6😊(33K ratings)
FreeAds
Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium screenshot 1
Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium screenshot 2
Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium screenshot 3
Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium screenshot 4
Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium screenshot 5

Explore our Solar System in an interactive 3D model. Discover celestial bodies with detailed information, real photos, and stunning visuals. This free app offers a pocket planetarium experience without requiring an internet connection.

What We Love

  • 🌟 Excellent for learning about space
  • 🔍 Detailed 3D models of planets and moons
  • 🗺️ Comprehensive information on solar system
  • 🎨 Beautiful and visually appealing graphics
  • 🧠 Highly educational and informative

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Too many ads interrupting the experience
  • 🔍 Limited exploration beyond our solar system
  • 🔌 Drains device battery quickly
  • 🤖 Occasional bugs and glitches
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe#3

Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe by Vito Technology Inc.

Solar System, Space Simulator
Worth Considering
🔍 Reference
4.7😊(6.8K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe screenshot 1
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe screenshot 2
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe screenshot 3
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe screenshot 4
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe screenshot 5
Solar Walk 2 Ads+:The Universe screenshot 6

Explore our Solar system with a detailed 3D model and interactive encyclopedia. Discover celestial events, track space missions, and view realistic models of spacecraft. This app offers a unique space experience with stunning visuals and up-to-date astronomy news.

What We Love

  • 🤩 Amazing graphics and visuals
  • 🌌 Detailed exploration of solar system and galaxy
  • 🔍 Informative and educational
  • 🕰️ Ability to control time flow and speed
  • 🔭 Realistic simulation of celestial objects

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Many features locked behind paywall
  • 📢 Frequent ads even with premium access
  • 🔋 High battery consumption
  • 🤔 Confusing pricing and access models

More Explore The Universe apps to explore

FAQ about Explore The Universe

What are the best explore the universe apps & games for iPhone?
Cosmic Atlas tops our explore the universe apps & games ranking as of October 2026, with a 3.7-star average from 65 App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Yes — 19 of the top explore the universe apps & games we rank are free to download, including Cosmic Atlas and Solar Walk Lite - Planetarium.
Cosmic Atlas has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of October 2026.
We track 248+ explore the universe apps & games on the iOS App Store as of October 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.