# Solar Eclipse Timer vs SunSketcher

The clearest difference is rating: Solar Eclipse Timer at 3.8 against SunSketcher's 2.6. Solar Eclipse Timer also leads on review sentiment (68% vs 33%) and ratings volume (560 vs 23). SunSketcher's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly). On price and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Solar Eclipse Timer holds the better App Store score, 3.8 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Solar Eclipse Timer has 560 ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Solar Eclipse Timer's written reviews are positive against 33% of SunSketcher's.

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, SunSketcher fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Solar Eclipse Timer | SunSketcher |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (560 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865/reviews)** | [2.6 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunsketcher/id6464665997/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **560** | 23 |
| Positive reviews | **68.4% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 231 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Foxwood Astronomy, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180239027) | [Western Kentucky University](https://appshunter.io/developer/365191345) |

## 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


### SunSketcher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunsketcher/id6464665997)

Capture crucial data during the Great North American Eclipse. This app automatically takes photos of the sun, helping scientists create a precise model of its shape and study solar interior flows. Participate in citizen science from your smartphone.

**Highlights:** Automatic eclipse photography, Location-based timing for totality, Data upload for scientific analysis, Citizen science participation, Contributes to heliophysics research, No special equipment needed

**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 SunSketcher free?

SunSketcher is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

Solar Eclipse Timer is rated higher. Solar Eclipse Timer averages 3.8 out of 5 from 560 ratings, while SunSketcher averages 2.6 from 23 ratings.

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

Neither Solar Eclipse Timer nor SunSketcher shows ads.

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

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, and SunSketcher fortnightly. Most recently, Solar Eclipse Timer was updated on October 7, 2026 and SunSketcher on October 3, 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.*