# Aurora Forecast & Alerts vs Step's Aurora Guide

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 117). Step's Aurora Guide's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Aurora Forecast & Alerts against 4.5 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 117, 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.

Aurora Forecast & Alerts ships an update every 2 months, Step's Aurora Guide every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 7, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aurora Forecast & Alerts | Step's Aurora Guide |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (2.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-forecast-and-alerts/id1476831567/reviews)** | [4.5 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/steps-aurora-guide/id1670143757/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.9K** | 117 |
| Positive reviews | **51.2% of reviews** | 14.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#112** |
| Size | 13 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [LW Brands, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/963599018) | [Steps Aurora Guide](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896765831) |

## What reviewers say

### Aurora Forecast & Alerts

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-forecast-and-alerts/id1476831567)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aurora Subscription | $4.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app and quick responses
- 👍 Accurate and timely notifications
- 👍 Intuitive displays for casual and advanced users
- 👍 Helpful in remote locations like Alaska
- 👍 Useful for capturing beautiful photos

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashing when opening the app
- 🐛 Map not updating
- 🐛 App quitting with no reason
- 🔍 Too technical for casual users
- 💰 Too many ads and annoying pop-ups

**Reported bugs**

- Sending false warnings for Aurora sightings
- Malware ads appearing

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to customize notification frequency


### Step's Aurora Guide

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

**Currently charting:** #112 Top Grossing · Weather, #186 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 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 is rated higher. Aurora Forecast & Alerts averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.9K ratings, while Step's Aurora Guide averages 4.5 from 117 ratings.

### 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 every 3 weeks. Most recently, Aurora Forecast & Alerts was updated on November 7, 2026 and Step's Aurora Guide on November 7, 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.*