# Solar Eclipse Timer vs AstroShader

The clearest difference is price: Solar Eclipse Timer at Free against AstroShader's $1.99. Solar Eclipse Timer also leads on ratings volume (560 vs 105) and device support (3 vs 1). AstroShader's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and rating (4.2 vs 3.8). On review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download; AstroShader costs $1.99 up front. Solar Eclipse Timer sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. AstroShader asks for nothing beyond the download.

AstroShader holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Solar Eclipse Timer has 560 ratings behind it against 105, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Solar Eclipse Timer's written reviews are positive against 61% of AstroShader's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, AstroShader every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Solar Eclipse Timer | AstroShader |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [3.8 (560 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865/reviews) | **[4.2 (105 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astroshader/id6444631986/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **560** | 105 |
| Positive reviews | **68.4% of reviews** | 61.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#13** |
| Size | 231 MB | 9 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Foxwood Astronomy, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180239027) | [AstroShader Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1655754202) |

## What reviewers say

### Solar Eclipse Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865)

This app provides precise countdowns and reminders for solar eclipse phenomena, aiding both casual observers and photographers. It works offline and offers features like automatic partial-phase image timing and a dedicated photographer mode.

**Highlights:** Offline eclipse timing, Precise contact time calculation, Photographer mode, Automatic partial-phase image timing, Geolocation and manual coordinate entry, Audio and notification tests

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Total - 7/2/19; Chile, Argenti | $1.99 | one-time |
| Total - 12/14/20; Chile, Argen | $1.99 | one-time |
| Total – 12/4/21; Antarctica | $1.99 | one-time |
| Hybrid – 4/20/23; Australia | $1.99 | one-time |
| Total – 4/8/24; USA, Mexico | $1.99 | one-time |
| Solar Eclipse Timer | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate timing and announcements
- 👍 Enhanced eclipse viewing experience
- 🎉 Worked flawlessly for 2017 and 2024 eclipses
- 💡 Helpful for photographers and non-photographers
- 🔊 Useful audio cues and prompts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches
- 🔍 Confusing or cluttered user interface
- 🔋 Audio prompts not working in some cases
- 🗺️ Inaccurate location detection or totality information

**Reported bugs**

- App crashing when loading timing data
- Notifications not working when camera is in use
- Incorrect contact times displayed for some locations

**Requested features**

- Customizable reminders or timers
- Automatic time zone and location updates
- Lunar eclipse support
- Improved onboarding and tutorial
- Countdown timer with graphical depiction


### AstroShader

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astroshader/id6444631986)

**Currently charting:** #13 Top Paid · Photo & Video (US App Store)

Capture, stack, and edit stunning astrophotography directly on your mobile device. This app streamlines the process by aligning and stacking images live during capture, eliminating the need for external software. Fine-tune your celestial images with a comprehensive suite of editing tools.

**Highlights:** Live image alignment and stacking, Manual focus control, Adjustable exposure, ISO, and white balance, Intervalometer for timed captures, Advanced image editing tools, Save in multiple formats including TIFF

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Solar Eclipse Timer free?

Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is AstroShader free?

AstroShader costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Solar Eclipse Timer or AstroShader?

AstroShader is rated higher. Solar Eclipse Timer averages 3.8 out of 5 from 560 ratings, while AstroShader averages 4.2 from 105 ratings.

### Do Solar Eclipse Timer or AstroShader have ads?

Neither Solar Eclipse Timer nor AstroShader shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Solar Eclipse Timer or AstroShader?

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, and AstroShader every 3 weeks. Most recently, Solar Eclipse Timer was updated on September 29, 2026 and AstroShader on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*