# Solar Eclipse Timer vs PhotoPlan

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: PhotoPlan at none against Solar Eclipse Timer's 6. PhotoPlan also leads on update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). Solar Eclipse Timer's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, PhotoPlan every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Solar Eclipse Timer | PhotoPlan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.8 (561 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/solar-eclipse-timer/id1203105865/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **561** | — |
| Positive reviews | 68.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 231 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Foxwood Astronomy, LLC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1180239027) | [MOHAMED RAMADAN MOHAMED](https://appshunter.io/developer/6791053330) |

## 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


### PhotoPlan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photoplan-pro-photo-planner/id6808097225)

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

**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 PhotoPlan free?

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

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

Neither Solar Eclipse Timer nor PhotoPlan shows ads.

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

Solar Eclipse Timer ships an update monthly, and PhotoPlan every 2 weeks. Most recently, Solar Eclipse Timer was updated on November 2, 2026 and PhotoPlan on October 16, 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.*