# Local Sidereal Time vs Desktop Astro Clock

The clearest difference is rating: Local Sidereal Time at 4.7 against Desktop Astro Clock's 3.7. Local Sidereal Time also leads on ratings volume (1.1K vs 3) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 9 months). Desktop Astro Clock's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Local Sidereal Time sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Desktop Astro Clock asks for nothing beyond the download.

Local Sidereal Time holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Local Sidereal Time has 1.1K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Local Sidereal Time ships an update every 4 months, Desktop Astro Clock every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Local Sidereal Time | Desktop Astro Clock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/local-sidereal-time/id1256725300/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 70.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 416 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scott Spiller](https://appshunter.io/developer/1256725299) | [BEHR Consulting International](https://appshunter.io/developer/385816833) |

## What reviewers say

### Local Sidereal Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/local-sidereal-time/id1256725300)

This app calculates local sidereal time, a system astronomers use to locate celestial objects. It can also be used for personal development, with studies suggesting increased psychic abilities during specific sidereal times. The pro version offers advanced features like notifications and map-based calculations.

**Highlights:** Calculate local sidereal time, Astronomy celestial object location, Potential psychic ability enhancement, Pro version notifications, Pro version map-based calculation, Pro version date/time conversion

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🚀 Useful app
- 💡 Helpful notifications
- 👍 Great customer service
- 💡 Excellent tool

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Alarm doesn't work
- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🔒 Pro purchase issues
- 🐛 Notification issues

**Reported bugs**

- Alarm doesn't work
- Crashes when loading
- Notification issues
- Pro purchase restoration not working

**Requested features**

- Add alarm feature
- Allow setting location manually
- Improve notification handling
- Automatically adjust for daylight saving time


### Desktop Astro Clock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/desktop-astro-clock/id1588806370)

This utility app displays time in various formats, including Julian, Sidereal, and GMT. It offers always-on display options, moon and meteor shower information, and customizable clock configurations. Widgets and a watchOS app are also supported for enhanced functionality.

**Highlights:** Multiple time formats (Julian, Sidereal, GMT), Always-on display with battery threshold, Moon phase and meteor shower information, Customizable display configurations, Widget support, WatchOS app with specialized displays

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Local Sidereal Time free?

Local Sidereal Time is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Desktop Astro Clock free?

Desktop Astro Clock is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Local Sidereal Time or Desktop Astro Clock?

Local Sidereal Time is rated higher. Local Sidereal Time averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Desktop Astro Clock averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Local Sidereal Time or Desktop Astro Clock have ads?

Neither Local Sidereal Time nor Desktop Astro Clock shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Local Sidereal Time or Desktop Astro Clock?

Local Sidereal Time ships an update every 4 months, and Desktop Astro Clock every 9 months. Most recently, Local Sidereal Time was updated on October 24, 2026 and Desktop Astro Clock on October 6, 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.*