Bubble Level + Compass vs MLAstro Hub
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Bubble Level + Compass
This utility app provides a precise bubble level for horizontal, vertical, and surface angle measurements, along with a true-north compass. It offers advanced calibration options and works on iOS devices. A Pro version is available for additional features.
- Horizontal and vertical level measurements
- Surface angle readings
- True north compass
- Advanced calibration
- Magnetic declination reading
- Accelerometer/Gyro switch
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Bubble Level + Compass combines a bubble level and a compass, with advanced controls for users who want more than the basics. Use it to check horizontal/vertical/surface angles, or get compass direction relative to either true or magnetic north. For users who work with physical compasses, magnetic declination is also provided to convert magnetic readings to true north readings. The level includes gyroscope calibration, which is especially useful on phones with a raised camera bump or an uneven back/case. No nagging popups or interruptions. The free version only includes a small banner ad at the bottom. Features • Bullseye level plus horizontal and vertical levels with 0.1 degree precision. • Compass with true north and magnetic north. • Magnetic declination display for converting magnetic readings to true north readings. • Gyroscope calibration for phones that do not rest perfectly flat. • Gyro or accelerometer sensor mode. • Clean interface with no popup interruptions. If you enjoy the app, leaving a review would help. An ad-free Pro version is also available, with more features including Apple Watch support, night mode, slope/inclination %, and pitch, yaw, and roll rotation rate.
MLAstro Hub
Control your OnStep telescope mount wirelessly from your phone. Manage mount status, navigate celestial catalogs, and perform alignment and configuration tasks without a laptop.
- Live mount status monitoring
- Directional control with adjustable slew rates
- One-tap home and park functionality
- Access to celestial object catalogs for Go-To slewing
- Guided alignment workflow
- Flexible Wi-Fi network setup
- Configuration and tuning options
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MLAstro is the wireless remote control companion for OnStep-based telescope mounts connected through SmartWebServer. Whether you're in your backyard or at a dark-sky site, MLAstro gives you everything you need right from your phone — no laptop, no cables, no hassle. KEY FEATURES ● Live Mount Status See your mount's current state at a glance: tracking mode, guide rates, slew status, and connection health — all updated in real time. ● Full Directional Control A responsive on-screen directional pad lets you nudge the mount in any direction. Adjust slew rates, start or stop tracking, and send mount utility commands with a tap. ● Home & Park Safely home or park your mount at the end of a session with dedicated one-tap controls. ● Go-To Catalogs Browse built-in catalogs and send your mount directly to any object: - Messier catalog (110 objects) - Caldwell catalog (109 objects) - Bright Stars list - J2000 coordinate entry for any custom target ● Target Detail & Slew View object details before slewing, confirm the target, and watch your mount move — all from one clean screen. ● Alignment Workflow Step through the alignment process guided by the app, so your mount points accurately every time. ● Flexible Network Setup Supports both Access Point and Station (router) Wi-Fi modes. Save your controller's IP address and port so you're always one tap from connecting. ● Configuration & Tuning Adjust meridian flip settings, slew limits, slew rates, tracking mode, time & location, and controller / axis parameters — all without leaving the app. ● Light & Dark Theme Choose light, dark, or follow your system preference. REQUIREMENTS - An OnStep-based telescope mount controller - SmartWebServer (or compatible TCP bridge) running on port 9998 (configurable) - iOS 15 or later - Same local Wi-Fi network as the mount MLAstro is built for amateur astronomers who want a clean, capable mobile controller for their OnStep rig. No account required. No cloud. Just your phone and your mount.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is ads: MLAstro Hub at none against Bubble Level + Compass's shown. MLAstro Hub also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Bubble Level + Compass's advantage is ratings volume (34 vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Bubble Level + Compass against 5.0 for MLAstro Hub. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bubble Level + Compass has 34 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.
Bubble Level + Compass ships an update every 4 months, MLAstro Hub every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Bubble Level + Compass | MLAstro Hub |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (34 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 90.5% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 34 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 18 MB | 86 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Dimitrios Kechagias | To Ngoc Khanh |
Customer experience
Bubble Level + Compass
MLAstro Hub
In-app purchases
Bubble Level + Compass
No in-app purchases
MLAstro Hub
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Bubble Level + Compass free?
Is MLAstro Hub free?
Which has better reviews, Bubble Level + Compass or MLAstro Hub?
Do Bubble Level + Compass or MLAstro Hub have ads?
Which is updated more often, Bubble Level + Compass or MLAstro Hub?
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