Comparison · Plant identification apps
Planta vs Seek by iNaturalist: which is better in 2026?
Planta86.5#5 in best plant identification apps
Seek by iNaturalist87.0#4 in best plant identification appsSeek by iNaturalist ranks higher in our list of plant identification apps (#4 against #5, score 87.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 86.5Editorial score87.0
- 3Platforms2
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceNo
Which should you choose?
Choose Planta if you want
Identification plus care reminders for houseplants.
Planta combines photo identification, care reminders, Dr. Planta diagnosis and a light meter, which goes further into care than iNaturalist. It is free to download with in-app purchases, and Premium is a subscription.
Choose Seek by iNaturalist if you want
Free identification of plants, animals and fungi.
A free, non-profit camera app for plants, animals and fungi, with badges and challenges for species seen. It shares observations openly and gives little plant care advice, so it suits identification and nature logging.
The main differences
- Planta is free plan, paid upgrades; Seek by iNaturalist is free.
Side by side
| Planta | Seek by iNaturalist | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 86.5 | 87.0 |
| Rank in list | #5 of 9 | #4 of 9 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree with in-app purchases; Premium plans are subscriptions | FreeFree, nonprofit and community-powered |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOSAndroidiOS, iPadOS, Android | iOSAndroidiOS, Android |
| Made by | Planta AB | iNaturalist |
| Species covered | Any plant, identified from a photo | Plants, animals and fungi |
| Care advice | Care plan and watering and fertilizing reminders | Not described |
| Disease diagnosis | Dr. Planta analyzes symptoms and gives treatment steps | Not described |
| Best for | Identification plus care reminders for houseplants | Free identification of plants, animals and fungi |
| Strengths |
|
|
| Limits |
|
|
| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Planta vs Seek by iNaturalist
- Is Seek by iNaturalist better than Planta?
- Seek by iNaturalist ranks higher in our list of plant identification apps (#4 against #5, score 87.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Planta is best for: identification plus care reminders for houseplants. Seek by iNaturalist is best for: free identification of plants, animals and fungi.
- Which is cheaper, Planta or Seek by iNaturalist?
- Planta: Free with in-app purchases; Premium plans are subscriptions. Seek by iNaturalist: Free, nonprofit and community-powered.
- Do Planta and Seek by iNaturalist run on the same platforms?
- Planta supports iOS, iPadOS, Android. Seek by iNaturalist supports iOS, Android.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
