Compare software

Universe SandboxGaia Sky
Paid

One-time purchase from the website or Steam.

 Free

Free and open source under the MPL-2.0.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • N-body gravity simulation using Newtonian mechanics
  • Earth climate model you can alter
  • Uses real scientific catalogs including Gaia star data
  • Handles around a billion objects in real time
  • Paid only
  • Needs a reasonably capable desktop computer
  • Large datasets need significant download space and capable hardware
  • Aimed at scientific exploration rather than a guided planetarium experience
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Closed source Open source
License not stated License: MPL-2.0
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 24, 2026

Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.