Step's Aurora Guide vs HVW
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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/
HVW
Get accurate and reliable weather forecasts specifically for the Hudson Valley region. This app provides meteorological data tailored to the area's unique climate.
- Precise forecasts
- Reliable meteorological data
- Region-specific climate information
- Tailored to Hudson Valley
Read full descriptionHide full description
Hudson Valley Weather stands at the forefront of meteorological excellence, delivering precise and reliable forecasts tailored to the unique climate of the Hudson Valley region.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: HVW at 100% against Step's Aurora Guide's 14%. HVW also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 3) and device support (3 vs 1). Step's Aurora Guide's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (113 vs 4). On price and ads 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. Step's Aurora Guide sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. HVW asks for nothing beyond the download.
Step's Aurora Guide holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Step's Aurora Guide has 113 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 14% of Step's Aurora Guide's written reviews are positive against 100% of HVW's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
| Parameter | Step's Aurora Guide | HVW |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.6 (113 ratings) — better | 4.3 (4 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 113 — better | 4 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #145 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 11.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 60 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Steps Aurora Guide | Jason Bowman |
Customer experience
Step's Aurora Guide
HVW
In-app purchases
Step's Aurora Guide
- Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$4.997 Days
- Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$6.991 Month
- Alerts, Forecast & Guide3 Days trial$29.991 Year
HVW
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Step's Aurora Guide free?
Is HVW free?
Which has better reviews, Step's Aurora Guide or HVW?
Do Step's Aurora Guide or HVW have ads?
Other comparisons















