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ObsIdentify

An app that identifies plants, bugs and fungi in Europe from a photo.

Identify anythingInsects and bugsPlants and flowersBirds and wildlife+2 more
Get ObsIdentifyBuild your own plant appFree plan

What ObsIdentify does

ObsIdentify is a free app from the Observation International foundation that identifies wild animals, plants and mushrooms from a photo. It only covers Europe and the Dutch Caribbean, so it's for travelers and people who live there. Your observations support research with partners like Naturalis.

Photo ID for animals, plants and mushrooms
Covers Europe and the Dutch Caribbean
Saves your observations
Badges, challenges and tips for finding new species
Groups to share finds with friends and family

ObsIdentify is the photo ID app from the team behind Observation.org, a nature recording platform. Snap an insect, plant or mushroom and it suggests what it is. Your observations are saved, and they feed into biological research with partners like Naturalis and Natuurpunt.

In independent tests it has scored very well. A 2024 insect comparison put it ahead of Picture Insect, Google Lens and Seek, and a 2025 test of wild plants rated it near the top too, though the tester found it weaker on fungi. When it missed, the right answer was often second on the list.

The catch for US readers: species recognition only covers Europe and the Dutch Caribbean, and the US App Store version has very few ratings. It's a great travel companion in Europe, but at home in the US, iNaturalist or Seek will serve you better. Never rely on it to decide whether a mushroom or plant is safe to eat or touch.

Alternatives to ObsIdentify

Seek by iNaturalistPoint your camera at nature and learn what it is, no account needed
Plants and flowersBirds and wildlife
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iNaturalistShare nature photos and get IDs from AI and a real community
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BirdNET LiveReal-time, offline sound ID for birds and other wildlife
Birds and wildlifeInsects and bugs
FreeFree plan
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Google LensPoint your camera at almost anything, including plants and animals
Plants and flowersBirds and wildlife
FreeFree plan
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PictureThisSnap a plant and get its name, care tips and a health check
Plants and flowersPlant care
Free, with paid extrasFree plan
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PlantaA smart plant care schedule built around your home
Plant carePlants and flowers
Free, paid from $7.99/moFree plan
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Who it's for

Travelers and nature lovers in Europe
Insect fans who want accurate IDs

Skip it if: Anyone identifying species in the US.

Pricing

Free plan
Free

ObsIdentify is free. Its store listing doesn't mention any in-app purchases.

Prices can vary by country. Checked 19 Oct 2026.

What people like

  • Free
  • Very accurate in independent tests
  • Covers insects, plants and more

Watch out for

  • Only recognizes species in Europe and the Dutch Caribbean
  • Weaker on fungi
  • Very few US App Store ratings

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Questions people ask

Does ObsIdentify work in the US?

You can download it, but it only recognizes species found in Europe and the Dutch Caribbean. In the US, try iNaturalist or Seek.

Is ObsIdentify free?

Yes. Its store listing doesn't mention any in-app purchases.

Is ObsIdentify good for insects?

Yes. It scored highest in a 2024 comparison of insect ID apps.

Can I use it to pick mushrooms to eat?

No. Never rely on an app to decide whether a mushroom or plant is safe to eat or touch.