Comparison

Solar Eclipse Timer vs Seestar

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Solar Eclipse Timer

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
Read full description

The Solar Eclipse Timer app is marking its 6th eclipse since 2017, which speaks volumes about its reliability and the trust it has built within the eclipse-chasing community. Helping tens of thousands of people enjoy the eclipse more by being reminded to observe all the fascinating eclipse phenomena. Photographers are aided by down-to-the-second precision and countdowns. Since the 2026 path covers some remote areas as well as high-traffic spots in Spain where cell service could be overwhelmed on eclipse day, the app works offline once unlocked. So, geolocation and contact time calculation are all done within the app. This makes it a true "field tool." The app is free to try, and for only a $1.99 in-app purchase to unlock the 2026 eclipse, it's an easy "yes" for anyone who has invested time and travel to be in the path of totality. In-App Video Tutorial: The first button on the Home Screen provides a comprehensive tutorial that explains all the app's functions and how to use them effectively. Audio and Notification Tests: The second button lets users run a "device sound check" to confirm that audio cues, spoken timings, and notifications are audible, which is critical since the app is designed to talk to you. Practice Session Video: The third button launches a 4-minute-45-second video of my actual eclipse-day observation site in 2024, synchronized with the app's real-time announcements. This allows both observers and photographers to practice their routines repeatedly, such as observing for shadow bands, adjusting shutter speeds, and knowing when to remove solar filters. Additionally, dialogue boxes appear as functions are selected, giving you more guidance. On eclipse day, after you get into the path, you can be timing the eclipse in 3 easy steps: 1. Tap to geolocate. 2. Tap to have the app calculate the precise contact times. 3. Tap to load the times into the timer. That's it! You are timing the eclipse. A major convenience feature of the app is the automatic calculation of the clock times needed to capture a perfect set of partial-phase images before and after totality. It is the only app in the world with this function. Collaborating with the late Fred Espenak (Mr. Eclipse) on Photographers Mode before the 2024 eclipse gives the app an incredible pedigree. For pros who need to stay "in the zone" and only care about timing and countdowns from C1 through C4, this mode is a game-changer. You can manually enter coordinates and save the site as a file. This helps compare multiple potential viewing locations. The app includes a hyperlink to the Solar Eclipse Timer website, which gives access to downloadable worksheets to record your partial-phase image times or the chores you want to do in Photographers mode, as well as my Master Stop Chart to count full and partial camera stops. I have observed and photographed six total solar eclipses and one annular eclipse. The concept of an eclipse “talking” timer was developed by me in 2002. I have been helping people time eclipses for almost 25 years. When you use the app, you will appreciate that it was designed by an eclipse chaser. There is also a link to learn more about my comprehensive eclipse observation and photography book, now in its second edition, titled “Eclipse Day.” The app also has a partial eclipse timing mode. This app is ad-free and does not track any user data. ALWAYS USE EYE PROTECTION DURING THE PARTIAL PHASES OF A SOLAR ECLIPSE! OR EVEN WHEN IT IS BRIGHT! NOT DOING SO CAN CAUSE EYE DAMAGE! We are NOT liable for misuse of the app, causing inaccurate timing, or the lack of eye safety precautions during the observation of a solar eclipse. The "glasses off" and "glasses on" statements are guides based on the calculated contact times. The timing can be affected by your phone's clock and the shape of the shadow due to the edge of the lunar limb. Use the Adjust buttons for Lunar Limb variation time adjustments. Glasses should be ON if it's bright!

About

Seestar

Explore the universe with a smart telescope that simplifies stargazing. Automatically find, focus, and capture celestial objects without professional guidance. Observe stars, the sun, and even landscapes with intuitive app control.

Highlights
  • Wireless control of telescope
  • Automatic celestial object finding and tracking
  • Solar observation with filter
  • Scenery mode for terrestrial viewing
  • Built-in sky atlas and encyclopedia
  • Stargazing index and recommendations
  • Share observations with community
Features
Read full description

Take the first step in exploring the universe! The Seestar smart telescope will give you a stargazing experience like never before. No need for professional guidance, just tap on the screen and you are ready to observe and capture the stars. Seestar is a smart device that integrates the functions of an altazimuth mount, telescope, and camera, with both hardware and software applications. With the Seestar App, you can easily control this multifunctional device and explore the infinite world of stars. Key features: - Wireless control: Control with Seestar device through wireless connection. - Stargazing Mode: Automatically find and focus on celestial objects, intelligently identify stars and track them for automatic capturing and image processing. - Solar Mode: Support auto-scan and solar tracking. Use the included Solar Filter to observe the unique sun. - Scenery mode: Manually control the telescope direction and auto-focus, so you can enjoy observing birds and landscapes. -Sky Atlas: Built-in curated celestial object database AND a rich astronomical knowledge encyclopedia,help you easily understand the mystery of starry sky. - Stargazing Index forecasts and popular Recommendations: Stay updated with popular information, making you an expert in astronomical events. - Share Your Work in the Square: Engage and exchange insights with astronomy enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing your observational achievements. - Adaptation Model: It will work with all Seestar models. Seestar is your ideal companion for exploring the universe, observing the stars and sharing experiences. Download Seestar App now and Explore the universe with Seestar.

Screenshots

Solar Eclipse Timer4 screens
Seestar4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Seestar at none against Solar Eclipse Timer's 6. Seestar also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.8). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Solar Eclipse Timer sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Seestar asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Seestar holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 560 and 334 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 68% of Solar Eclipse Timer's written reviews are positive against 62% of Seestar's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Solar Eclipse Timer versus Seestar: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSolar Eclipse TimerSeestar
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (560 ratings)4.2 (334 ratings) — better
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews — better61.7% of reviews
Number of ratings560 — better334
Update frequencyMonthlyMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.0 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size231 MB1.3 GB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFoxwood Astronomy, LLC.SuZhou ZWO Co., Ltd

Customer experience

Solar Eclipse Timer

All ratings560 ratings
Positive68.0%
Neutral4.3%
Negative27.7%
Written reviews158 reviews
Positive68.4%
Neutral7.6%
Negative24.1%

Seestar

All ratings334 ratings
Positive79.9%
Neutral3.9%
Negative16.2%
Written reviews175 reviews
Positive61.7%
Neutral8.0%
Negative30.3%

User reviews

Solar Eclipse Timer

From 560 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 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

Room to improve

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

Seestar

From 334 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Continuous updates
  • 💡 Great value for money
  • 👍 Intuitive interface
  • 👍 Excellent image quality

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Firmware updates causing issues
  • 🐛 Connectivity problems
  • 🐛 Tracking and stability issues
  • 🔋 Battery life concerns
  • 🐛 Crashes and bugs after updates

Bugs and requests

Solar Eclipse Timer

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

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

Seestar

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Firmware update cycle preventing settings changes
  • Tracking errors and star trailing issues
  • App crashing on startup
  • Inability to connect to telescope
  • Forced firmware updates during use

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add equatorial mode support
  • Provide fine control of exposure time
  • Implement mosaic mode for wider FOV
  • Add support for iPad landscape mode
  • Integrate with other astronomy apps

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Solar Eclipse Timer

One-time6
  • Total - 7/2/19; Chile, Argenti$1.99
  • Total - 12/14/20; Chile, Argen$1.99
  • Total – 12/4/21; Antarctica$1.99
Show 3 more
  • Hybrid – 4/20/23; Australia$1.99
  • Total – 4/8/24; USA, Mexico$1.99
  • Solar Eclipse Timer$1.99
None

Seestar

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Solar Eclipse Timer free?
Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Seestar free?
Seestar is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Solar Eclipse Timer or Seestar?
Seestar is rated higher. Solar Eclipse Timer averages 3.8 out of 5 from 560 ratings, while Seestar averages 4.2 from 334 ratings.
Do Solar Eclipse Timer or Seestar have ads?
Neither Solar Eclipse Timer nor Seestar shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Solar Eclipse Timer or Seestar?
Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, and Seestar monthly. Most recently, Solar Eclipse Timer was updated on September 20, 2026 and Seestar on September 22, 2026.

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