# SpaceWeatherLive vs Step's Aurora Guide

The clearest difference is rating: Step's Aurora Guide at 4.6 against SpaceWeatherLive's 4.0. Step's Aurora Guide also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). SpaceWeatherLive's advantage is review sentiment (53% vs 14%) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SpaceWeatherLive sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and Step's Aurora Guide sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Step's Aurora Guide holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 189 and 113 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 53% of SpaceWeatherLive's written reviews are positive against 14% of Step's Aurora Guide's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SpaceWeatherLive ships an update every 4 months, Step's Aurora Guide every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SpaceWeatherLive | Step's Aurora Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (189 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spaceweatherlive/id1435501021/reviews) | **[4.6 (113 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-aurora-guide/id1670143757/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **189** | 113 |
| Positive reviews | **53.4% of reviews** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#124** |
| Size | 30 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Parsec vzw](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435501020) | [Steps Aurora Guide](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896765831) |

## What reviewers say

### SpaceWeatherLive

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spaceweatherlive/id1435501021)

Track aurora and solar activity in real-time with detailed forecasts and historical data. Receive customizable push notifications for significant space weather events. Explore an extensive archive and learn from expert reports.

**Highlights:** Aurora and solar activity tracking, Real-time forecasts, Push notifications for space weather events, Dark mode for night use, Detailed graphs and reports, Extensive historical data archive, Beginner-friendly explanations

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad-free - monthly package | $0.99 | per month |
| Ad-free - half-yearly package | $5.49 | per 6 months |
| Ad-free - yearly package | $9.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent space weather information
- 🔍 Detailed and informative data
- 📚 Helpful tutorials and explanations
- 🌍 Useful for aurora chasers and enthusiasts
- 🤖 Comprehensive data from various sources

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Overwhelming amount of information
- 🔔 Too many notifications/alerts
- 💰 Ads becoming too intrusive
- 🔌 Notifications not always working
- 🤔 Confusing navigation at times

**Reported bugs**

- Video links not working
- Alerts disappearing after opening the app
- Inconsistent performance after updates
- Notification count not clearing properly

**Requested features**

- Customizable notification settings
- Dark mode option
- Location-based alerts
- Ability to track solar activity trends
- Integration with other weather/astronomy apps


### Step's Aurora Guide

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-aurora-guide/id1670143757)

**Currently charting:** #124 Top Grossing · Weather, #165 Top Free · Weather (US App Store)

This app provides aurora forecasts, alerts, and expert photography advice. It helps users plan and capture stunning aurora images with real-time data, geomagnetic forecasts, and personalized guidance.

**Highlights:** 27-day geomagnetic activity forecast, Moon phase and darkness alignment, Real-time aurora probability, Hour-by-hour weather updates, Expert photography advice, Custom location comparison

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Alerts, Forecast & Guide | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Alerts, Forecast & Guide | $6.99 | per month |
| Alerts, Forecast & Guide | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SpaceWeatherLive free?

SpaceWeatherLive is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Step's Aurora Guide free?

Step's Aurora Guide is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SpaceWeatherLive or Step's Aurora Guide?

Step's Aurora Guide is rated higher. SpaceWeatherLive averages 4.0 out of 5 from 189 ratings, while Step's Aurora Guide averages 4.6 from 113 ratings.

### Do SpaceWeatherLive or Step's Aurora Guide have ads?

SpaceWeatherLive shows ads; Step's Aurora Guide does not.

### Which is updated more often, SpaceWeatherLive or Step's Aurora Guide?

SpaceWeatherLive ships an update every 4 months, and Step's Aurora Guide every 3 weeks. Most recently, SpaceWeatherLive was updated on October 15, 2026 and Step's Aurora Guide on October 15, 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.*