Comparison

Solar Eclipse Timer vs Ember Photos

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

Ember Photos

Features
Read full description

We capture more of our lives than any generation before us — birthdays, vacations, holidays, weekend fun. Our phones are full of moments our parents would have framed or added to photo albums. Yet somehow, they feel distant — like files rather than memories. Ember rescues your stories from the cloud by scanning your photo library for meaningful moments, and turning those photos into stories worth reliving. And because the best memories are shared, Ember identifies photos from those who were there with you — weaving them into a single, shared story. You stay in control. Nothing is uploaded or shared without your permission. Ember preserves the stories of your life. Features: • Automatic story creation from your existing photos and videos • Smart detection of birthdays, holidays, travel, and local outings • Household sharing — invite family members to contribute their moments • On-device photo analysis — your library stays private until you choose to publish a story • Account deletion and full data control, on your terms Get Ember on your phone, and turn the photos you already have into memories worth holding onto.

Screenshots

Solar Eclipse Timer4 screens
Ember Photos4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ember Photos at none against Solar Eclipse Timer's 6. Ember Photos also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs monthly). Solar Eclipse Timer's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.4). On price and ads 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. Ember Photos asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, Ember Photos every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Solar Eclipse Timer versus Ember Photos: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSolar Eclipse TimerEmber Photos
PriceFreeFree
Rating3.8 (561 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews68.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings561 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.4
Further details — not scored
Size231 MB81 MB
Age rating17+12+
DeveloperFoxwood Astronomy, LLC.Ember Stories Inc

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

Ember Photos

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
None

Ember Photos

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Solar Eclipse Timer free?
Solar Eclipse Timer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Ember Photos free?
Ember Photos is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Solar Eclipse Timer or Ember Photos have ads?
Neither Solar Eclipse Timer nor Ember Photos shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Solar Eclipse Timer or Ember Photos?
Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, and Ember Photos every 2 days. Most recently, Solar Eclipse Timer was updated on November 2, 2026 and Ember Photos on October 24, 2026.

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