The Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ comparison has become much more relevant now that Pokémon GO has introduced its own built-in way to automatically catch Pokémon and spin PokéStops. Both options allow Trainers to continue making progress without constantly looking at their phone, but there are some significant differences between the free in-game Explorer Gadget and the physical Pokémon GO Plus+ accessory.
For many players, the biggest difference in Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ will simply be convenience. Explorer Gadget requires no additional hardware, while Pokémon GO Plus+ remains a separate accessory with its own features.
Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ Differences
The basic purpose of both options is similar. Explorer Gadget and Pokémon GO Plus+ can help players interact with Pokémon and PokéStops without actively playing through the normal Map View.
However, they are not the same feature.
| Feature | Explorer Gadget | Pokémon GO Plus+ |
|---|---|---|
| Physical accessory required | No | Yes |
| Built into Pokémon GO | Yes | No |
| Minimum Trainer level | Level 20 | Not tied to Explorer Gadget requirement |
| Automatic Pokémon catching | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic PokéStop spinning | Yes | Yes |
| Works with screen locked | Yes | Yes |
| Uses regular Poké Balls | Yes | Yes for automatic catching |
| Daily Explorer Gadget limits | Yes | No Explorer Gadget limit |
| Can run alongside the other | No | No |
The important thing when comparing Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ is that Pokémon GO treats them as separate ways of playing. Even if you own a Pokémon GO Plus+, you are not prevented from receiving or using Explorer Gadget.
You simply cannot have both active simultaneously.
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Is Explorer Gadget Free Compared With Pokémon GO Plus+?
Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages when looking at Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+.
Explorer Gadget is a built-in Pokémon GO feature. There is no Explorer Gadget accessory to purchase, pair, charge or carry.
Eligible Trainers at Level 20 or higher can access the feature once it becomes available to their account through the current phased rollout.
Pokémon GO Plus+, by comparison, is a separate physical accessory.
For players mainly interested in automatically catching Pokémon and spinning PokéStops while walking, Explorer Gadget therefore provides some similar functionality without requiring another device.
Does Explorer Gadget Work Like Pokémon GO Plus+?
In some respects, yes.
Explorer Gadget can operate while Pokémon GO is not actively open on your screen. Once activated, you can lock your phone and continue walking with the device on you.
While you move at a casual pace, Explorer Gadget automatically attempts to catch eligible Pokémon and spin nearby PokéStops.
That makes the Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ comparison particularly interesting for players who mainly use their Plus+ because they do not want to continuously look at their phone.
Explorer Gadget does have additional restrictions, however.
Explorer Gadget Has Daily Limits
One major Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ difference is the Explorer Gadget daily limit.
Explorer Gadget can only catch a certain number of Pokémon and spin a certain number of PokéStops each day.
The limits are based on Trainer level.
Once an Explorer Gadget daily limit is reached, it stops carrying out that activity for the remainder of the day.
Pokémon GO has confirmed the level-based limit system but has not provided one universal catch and spin number that applies to every Trainer.
This restriction could make Pokémon GO Plus+ more useful for particularly active players who regularly spend long periods catching and spinning automatically.
What Poké Balls Do Explorer Gadget and Pokémon GO Plus+ Use?
Explorer Gadget automatically catches Pokémon using regular Poké Balls only.
It cannot automatically switch to Great Balls or Ultra Balls.
Pokémon GO Plus+ also supports automatic catching with regular Poké Balls. The physical accessory additionally has its own interaction options that distinguish it from the simpler built-in Explorer Gadget system.
For players who mainly want basic background catching, however, the standard Poké Ball functionality makes the two options much closer competitors.
Can You Use Explorer Gadget and Pokémon GO Plus+ Together?
No. This is probably the most important rule in the Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ comparison.
You can have Pokémon GO Plus+ paired to your account while still having Explorer Gadget available. You do not need to completely unpair the accessory.
However, Explorer Gadget and Pokémon GO Plus+ cannot be active at the same time.
Players must choose which one they want to use.
If you have an accessory paired, Explorer Gadget can be accessed through the Key Items section of the Item Bag.
Be Careful When Switching From Explorer Gadget to Pokémon GO Plus+
There is also a significant restriction for players who plan to switch between the two.
If Explorer Gadget is active and you switch to your Pokémon GO Plus+ or another paired accessory, Explorer Gadget immediately stops.
More importantly, you cannot use Explorer Gadget again until the following day.
This makes choosing between Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ important before starting a longer session.
Do not activate Explorer Gadget for a short period and then casually switch to Pokémon GO Plus+ if you expect to return to Explorer Gadget later that same day.
Is Pokémon GO Plus+ Better Than Explorer Gadget?
Neither option will necessarily be better for every Trainer.
Explorer Gadget has an obvious advantage because it is built into Pokémon GO and does not require a separate purchase. For casual walking, errands and periods when you simply want your phone in your pocket, it provides an easy way to continue catching and spinning.
Pokémon GO Plus+ remains a dedicated physical accessory without the Explorer Gadget’s level-based daily activity limits.
Explorer Gadget also refuses to attempt certain Pokémon, including Pokémon not yet registered in your Pokédex and Mighty Pokémon.
For players who already own a Plus+, there is therefore little reason to throw the accessory in a drawer immediately.
Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+: Which Is Best?
The Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ choice ultimately depends on how heavily you use automatic catching.
For Trainers who do not own an accessory, Explorer Gadget is an extremely convenient option because the functionality is built directly into Pokémon GO.
For heavier players who already use Pokémon GO Plus+ extensively, the Explorer Gadget daily limits and restrictions may make the physical accessory more useful for longer sessions.
There is also no need to permanently choose one over the other. You can keep Pokémon GO Plus+ paired and use Explorer Gadget when you prefer, provided you remember that they cannot operate simultaneously and switching to the accessory will disable Explorer Gadget until the next day.
That makes Explorer Gadget vs Pokémon GO Plus+ less about one completely replacing the other and more about choosing the right option for how you intend to play that day.
