Comparison

Step's Aurora Guide vs Aurora Forecast AI Tracker

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 AI Tracker

Features
Read full description

Never miss the northern lights. Aurora Forecast AI helps you understand when the aurora may be visible from your location. Check your local forecast, find the best time to go outside, and receive alerts when viewing conditions improve. LOCAL AURORA FORECAST See a clear aurora visibility score calculated specifically for your location. Quickly understand whether tonight’s chances are unlikely, low, moderate, high, or very high. BEST VIEWING WINDOW Find the best local time to look for the northern lights. Aurora Forecast AI combines darkness, cloud cover, geomagnetic activity, moonlight, and aurora oval probability. HOURLY AND MULTI-DAY OUTLOOK Explore hourly visibility scores and compare viewing conditions across upcoming nights. Plan ahead instead of checking the sky at random. SMART AURORA ALERTS Receive notifications when aurora conditions become favorable near you. Available alert types include: • Aurora visibility • Local viewing windows • Kp activity • One-hour forecasts • Geomagnetic storm watches • Major storms You can also choose the minimum visibility level and set quiet hours. UNDERSTAND THE FORECAST See what is helping or limiting visibility tonight: • Geomagnetic activity and Kp index • Cloud cover • Moon illumination • NOAA OVATION aurora probability • Darkness and local viewing time Each factor includes a simple explanation, so you do not need to be an aurora expert. FORECASTS FOR YOUR LOCATIONS Save the places you care about and switch between local forecasts. Follow your home city, travel destination, or favorite northern lights viewing spot. FREE FEATURES The free version includes: • Current local aurora forecast • Basic forecast details • Up to 24 hours of hourly forecast data • One saved location • Basic aurora alerts PREMIUM FEATURES — PAID SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED An optional auto-renewable Premium subscription is required to access: • Extended 72-hour hourly forecast • Multiple saved locations • Premium aurora alerts Premium is available as a separate in-app purchase through Weekly and Annual subscription plans. Prices are displayed in the app before purchase and may vary by country or region. Payment will be charged to your Apple Account after purchase confirmation. Subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple Account settings. Aurora conditions can change quickly. Aurora Forecast AI turns complex space-weather and local weather data into a forecast that is easy to understand. Download Aurora Forecast AI and know when it is worth looking up. Privacy Policy: https://appres.io/privacy/ Terms of Use: https://appres.io/terms/

Screenshots

Step's Aurora Guide4 screens
Aurora Forecast AI Tracker4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Aurora Forecast AI Tracker at none against Step's Aurora Guide's 3. Aurora Forecast AI Tracker also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.0). Step's Aurora Guide's advantage is chart position (#127 vs unranked). 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

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. Aurora Forecast AI Tracker asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
Step's Aurora Guide versus Aurora Forecast AI Tracker: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStep's Aurora GuideAurora Forecast AI Tracker
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (113 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews14.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings113 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#127 — better—
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS16.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSteps Aurora GuideAliaksei Marozau

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
None

Aurora Forecast AI Tracker

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Step's Aurora Guide free?
Step's Aurora Guide is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aurora Forecast AI Tracker free?
Aurora Forecast AI Tracker is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Step's Aurora Guide or Aurora Forecast AI Tracker have ads?
Neither Step's Aurora Guide nor Aurora Forecast AI Tracker shows ads.

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