Comparison

Aurora Forecast & Alerts vs Step's Aurora Guide

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Track and predict the Northern Lights with detailed forecasts and customizable alerts. Explore interactive maps, view solar wind data, and access educational resources to enhance your aurora viewing experience.

Highlights
  • Interactive Aurora Forecast Map
  • Customizable Kp Index Push Notifications
  • Solar Wind, Density, Bz, Bt Data
  • 30-minute Geomagnetic Power Forecast
  • 3-day and 27-day Space Weather Forecasts
  • SWPC Alerts, Watches & Warnings
  • Educational Viewing Tips
Features
Read full description

The best Aurora Forecast app for iOS. Main Features Include: + Interactive Aurora Forecast Map + Customizable Kp Index Push Notifications + Solar Wind, Density, Bz, Bt + 30-minute Geomagnetic Power Forecast + 3-day Space Weather Forecast + 27-day Space Weather Forecast + SWPC Alerts, Watches & Warnings + Short Term Forecast Model Graphics + Experimental Aurora Forecast Graphics + Educational Resources -- Interactive Aurora Forecast Map -- Tap anywhere on the map for a 30-minute, spot specific aurora visibility forecast. This data is customizable and updates every 5 minutes. -- Push Notifications -- Get notified when aurora visibility atmospheric conditions are forecasted to be favorable. Alerts can be customized by Kp Index. Currently there are 3 types of Push Notifications: Daily, Weeky, and SWPC Warnings & Alerts. -- Short Term Aurora Forecast -- + Hemispheric Power Index + Ovation Prime Forecast Model Graphics + General Space Weather Discussion -- 3-day Aurora Forecast -- + Middle & Upper Latitude K-index Forecast + Probability of Geomagnetic Conditions + Solar Radiation Storm Forecast Probability + Radio Blackout Activity & Forecast + Polar Cap Absorption Forecast + Whole Disk Flare Probability + Region Flare Probabilities + Solar Flux -- 27-day Aurora Forecast -- + Forecast Highlights Discussion + SWPC Alert Details + Kp Index + Ap Index + Radio Flux -- Educational Resources -- + Tips on Viewing the Aurora + Aurora Visibility: How Far South/North Can Aurora Be Observed? TERMS & CONDITIONS https://lwbrandsllc.com/aurora-forecast-app-terms-conditions/

About

Step's Aurora Guide

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
Read full description

Created by an aurora photographer, the app is your perfect companion for aurora adventures. Make informed decisions, get timely alerts, and improve your chances of seeing and capturing the northern lights and aurora australis. Discover the features that make this app indispensable: Timely Alerts Don't miss the aurora. Receive notifications about elevated Kp-index levels in the coming days and when your chances of witnessing the aurora within the next hour are becoming high. Get the notice you need to be ready. Real-time Aurora Forecast Witness the aurora probability in real-time with the SWPC Ovation aurora forecast. Instantly see current aurora probabilities, monitor unfolding trends, and pinpoint the anticipated peak times — all tailored for your location. These insights pair perfectly with aurora alerts. Additionally, solar wind parameters offer a deeper understanding of current aurora activity. Precise Decision-making Make informed choices for tonight and beyond. Access hour-by-hour updates on geomagnetic activity, cloud coverage, temperature, and wind forecast. Compare conditions for your current location and up to 5 custom spots. Advanced Planning Stay one step ahead with our 27-day geomagnetic activity forecast. Seamlessly align your photography sessions with the optimal moon phase and ensure darkness prevails in your selected locations. Track the aurora season from the start. Expert Text Guide Receive tailored advice based on aurora and weather forecasts, moon positioning, and your location. Discover whether the aurora will grace the horizon or dance overhead. Optimise your shots with tips on capturing reflections and shooting under moonlight. Benefit from forecast-based recommendations and camera settings guidance. Additional Features and Beyond Experience a range of other useful features, with more updates on the horizon. Global Applicability The app is designed for global use in all regions where auroras can be visible, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, and more. Aurora looks the same — the landscape makes the difference. Subscription Options The app is available with a weekly, monthly, or yearly auto-renewable subscription, each with a 3-day free trial and full access to all app features, including High Kp-index and Aurora alerts. Download the app and start your 3-day free trial today. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Aurora Forecast & Alerts4 screens
Step's Aurora Guide4 screens

Verdict

The call

Aurora Forecast & Alerts and Step's Aurora Guide both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 51% of Aurora Forecast & Alerts's written reviews are positive against 14% of Step's Aurora Guide's. Aurora Forecast & Alerts also leads on ratings volume (2.9K vs 107). Step's Aurora Guide's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 2 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. Aurora Forecast & Alerts sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year and Step's Aurora Guide sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Aurora Forecast & Alerts against 4.6 for Step's Aurora Guide. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Aurora Forecast & Alerts has 2.9K ratings behind it against 107, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 51% of Aurora Forecast & Alerts's written reviews are positive against 14% of Step's Aurora Guide's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora Forecast & Alerts ships an update every 2 months, Step's Aurora Guide fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Aurora Forecast & Alerts versus Step's Aurora Guide: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora Forecast & AlertsStep's Aurora Guide
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (2.9K ratings)4.6 (107 ratings)
Positive reviews51.2% of reviews — better14.3% of reviews
Number of ratings2.9K — better107
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#109 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size13 MB31 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperLW Brands, LLCSteps Aurora Guide

Customer experience

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

All ratings2,925 ratings
Positive90.7%
Neutral5.1%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews41 reviews
Positive51.2%
Neutral7.3%
Negative41.5%

Step's Aurora Guide

All ratings107 ratings
Positive89.7%
Neutral3.7%
Negative6.5%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive14.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative85.7%

Bugs and requests

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Sending false warnings for Aurora sightings
  • Malware ads appearing

Requested features

2 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Ability to customize notification frequency

Step's Aurora Guide

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Aurora Forecast & Alerts

Subscriptions1
  • Aurora Subscription$4.991 Year
2 purchases

Step's Aurora Guide

Subscriptions2
  • All Forecasts & Guide3 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • All Forecasts & Guide3 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Aurora Forecast & Alerts free?
Aurora Forecast & Alerts 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, Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Step's Aurora Guide?
Aurora Forecast & Alerts and Step's Aurora Guide are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2.9K and 107 ratings respectively.
Do Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Step's Aurora Guide have ads?
Aurora Forecast & Alerts shows ads; Step's Aurora Guide does not.
Which is updated more often, Aurora Forecast & Alerts or Step's Aurora Guide?
Aurora Forecast & Alerts ships an update every 2 months, and Step's Aurora Guide fortnightly. Most recently, Aurora Forecast & Alerts was updated on September 24, 2026 and Step's Aurora Guide on September 15, 2026.

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