Comparison

Solar Eclipse Timer vs Bug Identifier

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

Bug Identifier

Features
Read full description

Got a mysterious bug in your garden? Curious about a beautiful butterfly you just saw? Unleash your inner explorer with WhatTheBug?, the easiest way to identify insects around you! WhatTheBug? turns your phone's camera into a powerful insect identifier. Just point, snap, and let our advanced AI reveal the identity of the creature in front of you. It's the perfect companion for students, gardeners, hikers, and anyone curious about the natural world. Key Features: INSTANT INSECT ID: Simply take a picture and get results in seconds. Our AI can identify thousands of different insects, from common houseflies to exotic beetles. BUILD YOUR COLLECTION: Did you find a cool-looking ladybug or a unique moth? Save it! Create your own personal collection of identified insects, complete with photos and information, stored right on your device. SIMPLE & FUN TO USE: With a clean and intuitive interface, identifying bugs has never been easier or more enjoyable. ABSOLUTELY PRIVATE: Your privacy is our top priority. WhatTheBug? requires NO login and collects ZERO personal data. Your photos are only used for identification and are never stored on our servers. Your collection is saved locally and is for your eyes only. Start your bug-finding adventure today and see the world around you in a whole new way! Disclaimer: The AI identification is for educational and informational purposes. While we aim for high accuracy, it may not always be 100% correct. Please exercise caution and avoid handling unfamiliar insects. Download WhatTheBug? now and start exploring! Terms : https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Solar Eclipse Timer4 screens
Bug Identifier3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Solar Eclipse Timer at 12.0 against Bug Identifier's 16.6. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 and Bug Identifier sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $24.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Solar Eclipse Timer versus Bug Identifier: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSolar Eclipse TimerBug Identifier
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (560 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews68.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings560 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better16.6
Further details — not scored
Size231 MB48 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperFoxwood Astronomy, LLC.Tabish Sheikh

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

Bug Identifier

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

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
1 purchases

Bug Identifier

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly$24.991 Year

Questions

Is Solar Eclipse Timer free?
Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bug Identifier free?
Bug Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Solar Eclipse Timer or Bug Identifier have ads?
Neither Solar Eclipse Timer nor Bug Identifier shows ads.

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