Step's Aurora Guide vs Pacific Storm Watch
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
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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/
Pacific Storm Watch
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Live Eastern and Central Pacific tropical storms — NHC tracks, formation outlooks, and Hawaii rain. Brought to you by Hana Pono Data Kauai LLC. Pacific Storm Watch is a focused weather desk for Hawaii and the Pacific basin. Watch active cyclones, remnants, and developing systems, compare ensemble tracks, and see rainfall without an account or ads. FEATURES • Live NHC storm tracks for the Eastern and Central Pacific • Official forecast cone, model consensus, and GEFS spaghetti • Formation outlooks, including redevelopment chances • Hawaii rainfall from NWS Honolulu and nearby ocean • Optional alerts when a system that can affect your islands is more likely to redevelop, strengthens, or brings more rain • Optional in-app tips to keep the desk running Weather data comes from NOAA. Support purchases are optional consumable tips processed by Apple.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Pacific Storm Watch at daily against Step's Aurora Guide's every 3 weeks. Step's Aurora Guide's advantage is chart position (#149 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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 and Pacific Storm Watch sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
Step's Aurora Guide ships an update every 3 weeks, Pacific Storm Watch daily. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Step's Aurora Guide | Pacific Storm Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.5 (117 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 14.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 117 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Daily — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | #149 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 37 MB | 1 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Steps Aurora Guide | Hana Pono Data Kaua'i LLC |
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
Pacific Storm Watch
- Support $0.99$0.99
- Support $4.99$4.99
- Support $9.99$9.99
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- Support $24.99$24.99
- Support $49.99$49.99
- Support $99.99$99.99
Questions
Is Step's Aurora Guide free?
Is Pacific Storm Watch free?
Do Step's Aurora Guide or Pacific Storm Watch have ads?
Which is updated more often, Step's Aurora Guide or Pacific Storm Watch?
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