Looking for the best free plant identification apps? We’ve reviewed all apps available on the market for you. These are our top free favourites for identifying plants and plant diseases.
Imagine you’re out in nature, curious about the flora around you. Plant identification apps make it a breeze to learn about plants, fostering your love for nature effortlessly. It’s like having a smart botanical encyclopedia in your pocket!
After we have reviewed more than 50 apps, we came up with this list of the 15 best free plant identification apps. Overall, the winner is PlantSnap. However, this doesn’t mean that this app will be best for you, as each app serves a slightly different purpose.
The Best Free Plant Identificiation Apps
1. PlantSnap
EcoCation® Test Score:
9.6 / 10
Pricing:
PlantSnap offers a free version that provides excellent plant identification capabilities. However, there is also a pro version available for those who want additional features. PlantSnap Pro offers a seven-day free trial, which is very much welcomed and gives you sufficient time to try out the features. Once you commit, its $20 annual cost is highly affordable.
Supported platforms:
PlantSnap is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
50+ languages. This app supports a broad range of languages, making it accessible to users worldwide. Whether you speak English, Spanish, French, German, or another language.
How it works:
PlantSnap’s magic lies in its user-friendly interface and advanced image recognition technology. Simply take a picture of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and PlantSnap will analyze it within seconds. It then provides you with detailed information about the plant, including its species, habitat, and care instructions.
The app has all the features you wish to have when you want to identify a plant, which is why it is the 1st in our list of best free plant identification apps.
Pros
- Lightning-fast plant identification.
- Extensive plant database.
- User-friendly interface for beginners.
- Detailed plant information.
- Suitable for both urban and rural plant enthusiasts.
Cons
- Some advanced features are only available in the premium version.
- Internet connection required for real-time identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
2. Leafsnap
EcoCation® Test Score:
9.1 / 10
Pricing:
Leafsnap, like many of the apps on our list, offers a free version with robust plant identification features. However, there is also a premium version available for those looking for additional functionalities. At a cost of either $4 per week or $50 per year, the premium version of Leafsnap is a bit more expensive than the one of PlantSnap.
Supported platforms:
Leafsnap is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
20+ languages. The app is available in most big languages, like English, Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and more.
How it works:
Leafsnap’s operation is straightforward and effective. Take a clear picture of a leaf using your smartphone’s camera, and Leafsnap’s advanced algorithms will swiftly analyze it. Within moments, you’ll receive detailed information about the plant species, helping you expand your botanical knowledge.
Pros
- Precise leaf identification.
- Rich database of plant species.
- User-friendly interface.
- Educational tool for plant enthusiasts.
- Suitable for all levels of expertise.
Cons
- Some advanced features are only accessible through the premium version.
- Internet connection required for real-time identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
3. Planta
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.8 / 10
Pricing:
PlantSnap offers a free version that provides excellent plant identification capabilities. However, there is also a premium version available for those who want additional features. At a cost of $7.99 per month or $35.99 per year, it is still on the cheaper end and providing for a good price-quality ratio.
Supported platforms:
Planta is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English, French, German, Italian, Swedish, Danish, Dutch, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk.
How it works:
PlantSnap’s magic lies in its user-friendly interface and advanced image recognition technology. Simply take a picture of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and PlantSnap will analyze it within seconds. It then provides you with detailed information about the plant, including its species, habitat, and care instructions.
Pros
- Accurate plant identification.
- Extensive database of plant species.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- Educational resource for plant lovers.
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
Cons
- Some advanced features are only available in the premium version.
- Internet connection required for real-time identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
4. iNaturalist & Seek by iNaturalist
Created by the same developers, both iNaturalist & Seek by iNaturalist provide a unique and collaborative way to explore and identify the natural world around you. Since the apps are very similar, we’ve combined them into one item on this list. However, you can use each of them independently.
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.6 / 10
Pricing:
Being not-for-profit apps, iNaturalist as well as Seek by iNaturalist are completely free without any hidden costs or premium versions!
Supported platforms:
Both iNaturalsit & Seek by iNaturalist are available on iOS and Android. iNaturalist is also available on the web.
Supported languages:
35+ languages. This app supports a broad range of languages, making it accessible to users worldwide. Whether you speak English, Spanish, French, German, or another language.
How it works:
Both, iNaturalist & Seek by iNaturalist offer a collaborative approach to species identification. Users can upload photos of plants, animals, or other organisms they encounter in nature. The community of naturalists and experts then helps identify the species. It’s a fascinating way to contribute to citizen science while expanding your knowledge of the natural world.
And the cool thing is that iNaturalist is not limited to (palm) tree identification but that it can identify bugs and insects as well, making it a good tool for fighting a plant’s pests & diseases.
All of this makes both of these apps one of the best free plant identification apps available on the market.
Pros
- Comprehensive identification of various species, not just plants.
- Active and engaged community of naturalists and experts.
- Ideal for those interested in broader biodiversity.
- Educational and interactive experience.
- Free of charge with no premium versions.
Cons
- Identifying plants takes longer compared to specialized plant identification apps.
- Identification relies on community contributions, which may vary in speed and accuracy.
iNaturalist vs Seek by iNaturalist
While both apps share the same identification engine, Seek by iNaturalist offers a more user-friendly experience, especially for beginners.
On one hand, Seek gamifies the identification process, making it engaging for all ages. It provides AI suggested plant information based on live video footage and is designed for those who want a quicker answer, or don’t want to make an account, or want something good for kids.
On the other hand, iNaturalist provides a more in-depth community-driven approach and is favored by experienced naturalists. iNaturalist is more complicated. It has both an app and a website. The app is more simplified, and is focused on adding new observations to the iNaturalist database.
5. PlantNet
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.5 / 10
Pricing:
PlantNet offers a free version with comprehensive plant identification features. If you want more than 500 identifications per day, you will need to by the premium version, which also provides extra functionalities. Though, this is quite costly at an annual price of 1.000€. There is no option to get a weekly or monthly subscription.
If you are part of a non-profit organization or charity, you can get access to the premium version for free.
Supported platforms:
PlantNet is available on iOS and Android, as well as on the web.
Supported languages:
30+ languages. Whether you speak English, Spanish, French, or another language, you can comfortably use the app.
How it works:
Using PlantNet is straightforward and effective. Simply snap a clear photo of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and PlantNet’s advanced algorithms will swiftly analyze it. Within moments, you’ll receive detailed information about the plant, including its species, habitat, and care instructions.
Pros
- Accurate plant identification.
- Comprehensive database of plant species.
- User-friendly interface.
- Valuable educational resource.
- Suitable for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Cons
- Some advanced features are exclusive to the premium version.
- An internet connection is required for real-time plant identification.
6. Garden Answers
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.3 / 10
Pricing:
GardenAnswers primarily offers a free version with extensive plant identification features. Nevertheless, if you want to make use of the app’s special features, you’ll need to purchase the premium version at a price of $6,99 per month. Though, you can first test if it is worth your money during a free trial period of one month.
Something we recommend for the ones searching for professional botanical advice is the app’s “Ask an Expert” feature. The price of $1.99 per question is 100% worth it.
Supported platforms:
Garden Answers is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English, German.
How it works:
Using GardenAnswers is a breeze. Simply capture a clear photo of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and GardenAnswers’ advanced algorithms will promptly analyze it. You will receive detailed information about the plant, including its species, care instructions, and growth habits. On top of that, you have the option to chat with an expert in case you need individualized support, for example when you need support to deal with a plant’s disease.
All in all, this makes Garden Answers one of the best free plant identification apps.
Pros
- Accurate plant identification.
- Extensive database of plant species.
- User-friendly interface, suitable for gardeners of all levels.
- Valuable educational resource.
- Helpful for plant enthusiasts and professional gardeners.
- “Ask an Expert” feature for professional advice.
Cons
- Some advanced features are exclusive to the premium version.
- An internet connection is required for real-time plant identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
7. What’s That Flower
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.1 / 10
Pricing:
Next on our list of the best free plant identification apps is What’s That Flower. It primarily offers a free version with comprehensive flower identification features. However, there are premium features or ad-free options available within the app that cost between $1 and $50 per purchase.
Supported platforms:
What’s That Flower is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English only.
How it works:
What’s That Flower offers a straightforward and effective method for identifying plants and flowers. Capture a clear photo of a flower or plant with your smartphone’s camera, and What’s That Flower’s advanced algorithms will quickly ptrocess it. You’ll receive detailed information about the plant, including its species, habitat, and care requirements.
Pros
- Accurate identification of flowers.
- A comprehensive database, focusing on flowers.
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- A valuable educational resource for flower enthusiasts.
- A helpful tool for identifying and learning about various flower species.
Cons
- Database is limited mostly to flowers.
- Some advanced features may be locked behind premium versions.
- An internet connection is typically required for real-time plant identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
8. PictureThis
EcoCation® Test Score:
8.0 / 10
Pricing:
PictureThis essentially provides a free version with advanced plant identification tools. However, the folowing premium versions available.
- Picture This Gold ($2.99 and $5.99)
- Picture This Plus ($34.99)
- Picture This Platinum ($49.99)
- Picture This Family Plan ($49.99).
Supported platforms:
PictureThis is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
30+ languages. Regardless of whether you speak English, Spanish, French, or another language, you can comfortably navigate and utilize the app.
How it works:
Using PictureThis is easy and effective. Simply capture a clear photo of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and PictureThis’ algorithms will swiftly analyze it. You’ll receive in-detail information about the plant, including its species, how to care for it, and other interesting facts.
Pros
- Accurate plant identification.
- A comprehensive database of plant species.
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- Valuable educational resource for plant enthusiasts.
- A helpful tool for identifying and learning about various plant species.
Cons
- Some advanced features may be locked behind premium versions.
- An internet connection is typically required for real-time plant identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
9. Plantix
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.8 / 10
Pricing:
Plantix is completely free! No upfront payments, no premium version & no hidden in-app purchases.
Supported platforms:
Plantix is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
The App is available in 18 different languages out of which 10 are regional Indian languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Marathi, among others.
How it works:
With a focus on crops, Plantix offers a holistic approach to plant care. Not only can it identify a wide range of plants, but it also assists in diagnosing plant health issues. Simply capture a clear photo of a plant or its affected parts with your smartphone’s camera, and Plantix’s advanced algorithms will swiftly analyze it. You’ll receive detailed information about the plant species, potential diseases or pests, and recommended treatments.
Pros
- All features are 100% free.
- Accurate plant identification and plant health diagnosis.
- A comprehensive database of plant species and plant health issues, with a clear focus on crops.
- User-friendly interface suitable for both gardeners and agriculture professionals.
- A valuable educational resource for farmers.
- A helpful tool for identifying, diagnosing, and caring for plants.
Cons
- An internet connection is required for most identification features and health diagnosis.
- Lack of community-related features.
10. Plant.id
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.5 / 10
Pricing:
Plant.id is completely free! No upfront payments, no premium version & no hidden in-app purchases.
Supported platforms:
Plant.id is available on the web or through API.
Supported languages:
English.
How it works:
The app is easy-to-use and simple. You just need to upload the photo of the plant you want to identify to the website of Plant.id and the app will do the rest for you, providing a bunch of background information about your plant.
Pros
- All features are 100% free.
- Quick & AI driven plant identification.
- A helpful tool for identifying and learning about various plant species.
Cons
- An internet connection is required to use the app.
- Lack of community-related features.
11. Iris – Garden Advice and Ideas
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.4 / 10
Pricing:
Plantix is completely free! No upfront payments, no premium version & no hidden in-app purchases.
Supported platforms:
Iris is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English.
How it works:
Iris offers a straightforward method for identifying plants. Capture a clear photo of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and Iris’ advanced algorithms will swiftly analyze it. You’ll receive detailed information about the plant species, including its habitat and care recommendations.
Pros
- Accurate plant identification.
- A comprehensive database of plant species.
- User-friendly interface suitable for gardeners.
- A valuable educational resource for learning about various plant species.
- A helpful tool for identifying and cataloging plants.
- One of the best gardening apps.
Cons
- An internet connection is typically required for real-time plant identification.
- Lack of community-related features.
- Targeted to gardening.
12. FlowerChecker
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.1 / 10
Pricing:
FlowerChecker primarily offers a pay-as-you-go model, where users pay $1 for each identification. There are also be subscription options available for more frequent users.
Supported platforms:
FlowerChecker is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English.
How it works:
FlowerChecker offers a personalized and expert-driven approach to plant identification. Capture a clear photo of a flower or plant with your smartphone’s camera, and FlowerChecker’s team of botanical experts will carefully analyze it. You’ll receive a detailed report with the plant’s species, care recommendations, and interesting facts.
Pros
- Plant identification with the expertise of botanical professionals.
- A comprehensive database of plant species, with a focus on flowers.
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
- Expert guidance for plant care and maintenance.
- Valuable for identifying and learning about various flower species.
Cons
- Identification comes at a cost, with a pay-per-identification or subscription model.
- Identifying plants takes longer compared to AI-driven plant identification apps.
- Identification relies on expertise of botanical professionals, which may vary.
13. Flora Incognita
EcoCation® Test Score:
7.0 / 10
Pricing:
The app is free of charge and without advertising, because it is part of a scientific research project that aims to improve nature conservation.
Supported platforms:
Flora Incognita is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English & German.
How it works:
Flora Incognita offers a scientific method for identifying wild plants. Capture a clear photo of a plant with your smartphone’s camera, and Flora Incognita’s advanced algorithms will swiftly analyze it. You’ll receive detailed information about the plant species, habitat, and conservation status.
Pros
- Accurate identification of wild plants.
- A comprehensive scientific database of plant species found in the wild.
- User-friendly interface suitable for both nature enthusiasts and conservationists.
- Valuable educational resource for learning about wild plant species.
- A helpful tool for identifying and contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts.
Cons
- An internet connection is required for real-time plant identification.
14. Plantifier
EcoCation® Test Score:
6.7 / 10
Pricing:
Plantifier is a 100% free crowdsourced plant recognition tool. Easy and free of charge!
Supported platforms:
Plantifier is available on iOS and Android.
Supported languages:
English, Dutch, French, German
How it works:
Plantifier offers a personalized and community-driven approach to plant identification. Capture a clear photo of a flower or plant with your smartphone’s camera, and Plantifier’s community of botanical enthusiasts will analyze it.
Since this is a bit old-school and there is no option to quickly identify a plant species, this app only made it to a lower position in our list of the best free plant identification apps.
Pros
- Community-driven approach to plant identification.
- Valuable educational resource for learning about wild plant species.
Cons
- Long waiting times until a plant is identified, due to lack of AI technology.
- Possibility of inaccurate/wrong identification.
- An internet connection is required for real-time plant identification.
15. Google Lens & iPhone camera
While not standalone plant identification apps, Google Lens and the iPhone Camera,, are powerful tools that can be harnessed for plant identification purposes. They provide users with a convenient and integrated way to explore and identify the world of plants.
Google Lens is integrated into the Google app and is available on both Android and iOS devices, while the iPhone Camera is a built-in feature on all Apple iPhones. There’s no separate download required for these tools, which is the biggest advantage that these tools have over the other plant identification apps!
EcoCation® Test Score:
6.5 / 10
Pricing:
Free! Both Google Lens and the iPhone Camera are available for free as integrated features of your smartphone. You don’t need to pay anything extra to use them for plant identification.
Supported platforms:
Google Lens is available on both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The iPhone Camera, as a built-in feature, is exclusive to Apple iPhones.
Supported languages:
All! Google Lens offers support for basically all languages, ensuring a global user base can comfortably use the feature. The iPhone Camera, as part of the iOS system, is also available in all languages.
How it works:
Google Lens and the iPhone Camera use image recognition technology to identify plants and provide information about them. Here’s how they work:
- Google Lens: Open the Google app on your device, tap the Google Lens icon, and point your camera at a plant. Google Lens will analyze the image and provide information about the plant, including its species and links to additional resources.
- iPhone Camera: On an iPhone, you can use the Camera app to take a photo of a plant. After taking the photo, tap on the image in your Photos app, and then tap the “Edit” button. Select the “More” option, and you’ll see details about the plant (if recognized) provided by Apple’s image recognition technology, called Visual Look Ups.
Pros
- Convenient and readily available on most smartphones.
- Integrated into the Google app and iOS Camera app, eliminating the need for additional downloads.
- Can identify a wide range of objects, including plants.
- Provides quick access to information about plants and flowers.
- User-friendly and doesn’t require expertise in botany.
Cons
- May not always provide as detailed information as specialized plant identification apps.
- Accuracy may vary depending on the complexity of the plant and the quality of the photo.
- Limited to plant identification and may not offer additional features found in dedicated apps.
Comparison of the Best Free Plant Identification Apps
| Plant ID App | EcoCation® Score | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| 1. PlantSnap | 8.7 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 2. Leafsnap | 8.5 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 3. Planta | 8.4 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 4. iNaturalist & Seek | 8.3 | Free |
| 5. PlantNet | 8.2 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 6. GardenAnswers | 8.1 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 7. WhatsThatFlower | 8.0 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 8. PictureThis | 7.8 | Free with premium upgrade |
| 9. Plantix | 7.7 | Free |
| 10. Plant.id | 7.6 | Free |
| 11. Iris | 7.5 | Free |
| 12. FlowerChecker | 7.3 | Pay-as-you-go |
| 13. Flora Incognita | 7.0 | Free |
| 14. Plantifier | 6.9 | Free |
| 15. Google Lens & iPhone Camera | N/A | Free |
Criteria for Selecting The Best Plant Identification Apps
- 150 testers: We asked our EcoCation botany community and selected 150 testers, located all over the world, using iPhones as well as Android phones.
- Urban vs Rural: In order to test as many different types of plants as possible, the apps were tested in urban as well as in rural regions.
- Plant Variety: We tested on a broad variety of plants, from common household favorites to unusual woodland species.
- Criteria: After using and comparing the apps extensively for 3 months, the testers developed criteria, based on which the apps have been reviewed.
- Ease-of-use: To weed out difficult apps, we asked our testers to report back on obnoxious ads, weird glitches, and setup problems.
- Pricing: Since our goal was to find the best free plant identification apps, our testers only tested apps that are freely available on the market. However, since some of the apps have a premium version, the testers also reviewed the premium version, and whether it is really worth the price.
Once you identified your plant, use a plant care app to keep it healthy.
FAQ
What are the best apps to identify plants and flowers?
The top plant identification apps include PlantSnap for its accuracy, iNaturalist for its community-driven identification, and PlantNet for its vast plant database.
Are plant identifiers and apps worth it?
Plant identifiers are valuable for nature enthusiasts, making it easier to learn about plants, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature. However, for identifiying a plant “just” once, the solutions integrated into smartphone cameras (like Google Lens) are working just as good.
How reliable are the plant identifiers?
Plant identifier apps are generally reliable, but accuracy can vary based on factors like database size and user reviews.
Is PlantSnap really free?
PlantSnap offers a free version with the option to upgrade to a premium version for additional features.
Is PlantNet a free app?
PlantNet is a free plant identification app available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Is there a totally free plant care app?
Yes, there are free plant care apps that provide guidance on plant care and maintenance. For example, Planta is such an app.
Is there a free plant identifier app for iphone?
Yes, there are free plant identifier apps available for iPhone users. But don’t forget that your iPhone’s camera can identify plants as well, so you might not even have to download a separate app.
Does my iPhone have a free plant identifier?
iPhones support various plant identifier apps, providing users with plant recognition capabilities. Tip: Your iPhone’s camera can identify plants as well, so won’t even have to download a separate app.
Is there a plant app that identifies problems free?
Some plant apps, such as Plantix or Garden Answers offer free features for identifying plant problems and diseases.
Is there a 100% free plant identification?
There are several 100% free plant identification apps that provide accurate plant recognition. Out of the ones we tested, PlantSnap has proven to be the best free plant identification app.
What is the best free plant ID app for iPhone?
PlantSnap is the best free plant identification apps available for iPhone users.
Do all iphones identify plants?
iPhones can either use their own camera or plant identification apps to recognize plants from photos.
How do I turn on plant recognition on my iPhone?
- Tap the photo you want to look up.
- If the Visual Look Up feature is available for that photo, the bottom of your screen will feature a circle with the letter i at its center and stars on its side.
- Swipe up on the photo or tap the blue i icon.
- Tap “Look Up” in the section below the photo, or tap the icon that appears on the photo.
- A list of results via Siri Knowledge and Web Images will appear.
What version of iPhone has plant identification?
Plant identification (using Visual Look Ups) is available on iPhone models that are using iOS 15 or newer.
Can Google identify a plant from a picture?
Google Lens can identify plants from pictures, making it a useful tool for plant enthusiasts.
Can I take a picture with my phone to identify a plant?
You can take pictures with your phone and use plant identification apps to recognize plants.
Is Google Lens free?
Google Lens is a free service integrated into the Google app, offering plant identification among its features.
How can I identify plants by picture online for free?
Numerous websites and apps allow you to identify plants by uploading pictures online for free.
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