Comparison

Aurora Forecast 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

This app provides real-time aurora forecasting with detailed solar-wind data, magnetic conditions, and cloud cover. It offers location-based visibility predictions and long-term forecasts to help users decide the best times to view the Northern Lights.

Highlights
  • Live minute-by-minute visibility forecast
  • DSCOVR Earth-Arrival solar-wind data
  • Smart likelihood by latitude
  • 3-Day & 10-Day geomagnetic forecasts
  • Cloud cover context
  • Location-based visibility
Features
Read full description

Know whether tonight is worth going outside. Auroras Forecast & Alerts helps you track Northern Lights conditions for your location, compare viewing windows, and get ready before the sky turns active. Built for aurora watchers, travelers, photographers, and serious chasers, the app combines live space-weather signals with practical location context so you can make faster field decisions. WHY USE AURORAS FORECAST & ALERTS - Latitude-aware aurora alerts: Get notified when conditions look promising for your latitude band, not just when a generic global index rises. - Live solar wind context: Follow Bz, solar wind speed, Bt, and density with DSCOVR data shifted toward Earth-arrival timing, so you can focus on what matters now. - 3-day and 10-day planning tools: Check upcoming geomagnetic activity, compare likely viewing windows, and plan your next Northern Lights chase with more confidence. - Cloud and location context: Combine aurora probability with cloud cover, daylight, saved places, and local viewing details before you head out. - Saved places worldwide: Monitor favorite locations, compare conditions, and keep your best aurora spots close at hand. - Hunter-focused charts: Read clear thresholds, practical likelihood states, and fast-updating data built for real decisions in the field. Whether you are hoping to see the Northern Lights for the first time or planning around every stronger storm, Auroras Forecast & Alerts helps you decide when to step outside and look up. Privacy Policy: https://aurorasforecast.s3.eu-west-3.amazonaws.com/privacy_policy.htm Terms of use: https://aurorasforecast.s3.eu-west-3.amazonaws.com/terms_of_use.htm

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
Currently charting
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 Forecast4 screens
Step's Aurora Guide4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Step's Aurora Guide at none against Aurora Forecast's shown. Step's Aurora Guide also leads on chart position (#155 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Aurora Forecast's advantage is review sentiment (27% vs 14%). On price, update cadence, 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 sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per 7 days 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.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora Forecast ships an update every 10 days, Step's Aurora Guide every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Aurora Forecast versus Step's Aurora Guide: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora ForecastStep's Aurora Guide
PriceFreeFree
Rating—4.5 (117 ratings) — better
Positive reviews27.3% of reviews — better14.3% of reviews
Number of ratings—117 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#155 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size101 MB37 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAitor SalvadorSteps Aurora Guide

Customer experience

Aurora Forecast

Written reviews11 reviews
Positive27.3%
Neutral9.1%
Negative63.6%

Step's Aurora Guide

All ratings113 ratings
Positive90.3%
Neutral3.5%
Negative6.2%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive14.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative85.7%

In-app purchases

4 purchases

Aurora Forecast

Subscriptions3
  • Traveler Plan$1.497 Days
  • Northern Lights Monthly Plan$4.991 Month
  • Northern Lights Yearly Plan$48.991 Year
One-time1
  • Aurora Pro Lifetime$69.99
3 purchases

Step's Aurora Guide

Subscriptions3
  • Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$4.997 Days
  • Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$6.991 Month
  • Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$29.991 Year

Questions

Is Aurora Forecast free?
Aurora Forecast 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.
Do Aurora Forecast or Step's Aurora Guide have ads?
Aurora Forecast shows ads; Step's Aurora Guide does not.
Which is updated more often, Aurora Forecast or Step's Aurora Guide?
Aurora Forecast ships an update every 10 days, and Step's Aurora Guide every 3 weeks. Most recently, Aurora Forecast was updated on November 7, 2026 and Step's Aurora Guide on November 3, 2026.

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