Comparison

Step's Aurora Guide vs Aurora Forecast

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

Head to head
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/

About

Aurora Forecast

Track the Northern Lights with real-time forecasts and smart alerts. Get detailed information on aurora activity, KP index, and visibility for your location, helping you plan the perfect viewing experience.

Highlights
  • Real-time aurora forecasts
  • Location-based predictions
  • KP index and cloud cover data
  • Customizable aurora alerts
  • Global aurora map
  • Aurora viewing tips
Features
Read full description

Spot Northern Lights easily with Aurora Forecast App. This app gives you everything you need to know. When, where, and how likely you are to see the aurora, wherever you are in the world. Whether you’re chasing the aurora in Iceland, hoping for a rare display in your hometown, or planning a photography trip to the Arctic Circle, this app keeps you fully prepared with accurate, real-time forecasts and smart alerts. - Real-time aurora forecasts tailored to your location - Live KP index, cloud cover, and visibility data - Solar wind stats ands more - Customizable alerts when aurora activity is expected near you - Forecasts for the future - Global aurora map - Aurora viewing tips and best current locations - Simple, sleek design Built for travelers, photographers, and anyone who doesn’t want to miss the next aurora, this app helps you stay one step ahead and catch the magic when it happens. Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CYJ_YEK2fZHzfMJntkommHBqIdkYoGnQ2lnCUt52C88/ Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MvMhZJsr14RA3JatJtIHj-GpTCITxJ1a7NMfelop3wk/

Screenshots

Step's Aurora Guide4 screens
Aurora Forecast4 screens

Verdict

The call

Step's Aurora Guide and Aurora Forecast both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 50% of Aurora Forecast's written reviews are positive against 14% of Step's Aurora Guide's. On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence 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. Step's Aurora Guide sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Aurora Forecast sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. 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 Step's Aurora Guide against 4.7 for Aurora Forecast. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 113 and 78 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 14% of Step's Aurora Guide's written reviews are positive against 50% of Aurora Forecast's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Step's Aurora Guide ships an update every 3 weeks, Aurora Forecast monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 10 level
Step's Aurora Guide versus Aurora Forecast: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStep's Aurora GuideAurora Forecast
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (113 ratings)4.7 (78 ratings) — better
Positive reviews14.3% of reviews50.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings113 — better78
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#126#81 — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS16.016.0
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSteps Aurora GuideAppelio

Customer experience

Step's Aurora Guide

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

Aurora Forecast

All ratings78 ratings
Positive91.0%
Neutral5.1%
Negative3.8%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

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
6 purchases

Aurora Forecast

Subscriptions5
  • Aurora Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Aurora Weekly Free Trial7 Days trial2 variants$9.997 Days
  • Aurora Yearly Free Trial3 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Aurora Yearly Free Trial7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Aurora Forecast Yearly$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Northern Lights Tracker$19.99

Questions

Is Step's Aurora Guide free?
Step's Aurora Guide is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aurora Forecast free?
Aurora Forecast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast?
Aurora Forecast is rated higher. Step's Aurora Guide averages 4.6 out of 5 from 113 ratings, while Aurora Forecast averages 4.7 from 78 ratings.
Do Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast have ads?
Neither Step's Aurora Guide nor Aurora Forecast shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast?
Step's Aurora Guide ships an update every 3 weeks, and Aurora Forecast monthly. Most recently, Step's Aurora Guide was updated on October 17, 2026 and Aurora Forecast on October 16, 2026.
Which is more popular, Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast?
Step's Aurora Guide currently peaks at #126 in the App Store charts, and Aurora Forecast at #81. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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