# Starmap vs Sky Map

The clearest difference is ads: Starmap at none against Sky Map's shown. Starmap also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). Sky Map's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Starmap sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Sky Map sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for Starmap against 4.0 for Sky Map. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

Starmap ships an update every 2 weeks, Sky Map every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starmap | Sky Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap/id284408099/reviews) | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sky-map-live-star-tracker/id6790243989/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 76.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 110 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fredd](https://appshunter.io/developer/283006534) | [DEEPLY AI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809787876) |

## What reviewers say

### Starmap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap/id284408099)

Explore the night sky with a comprehensive star atlas. Identify celestial objects, track comets and asteroids, and access detailed information on stars, constellations, and lunar features. Includes live solar physics data and a red night-vision mode for stargazing.

**Highlights:** Extensive star and object catalogues, Live solar physics data, Detailed lunar features, Real-time comet and asteroid tracking, Telescope and eyepiece simulation, Red night-vision mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What Happens when Galaxies Collide? | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wandering the Summer Sky | $0.99 | one-time |
| Exploring the Crab Nebula | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10h8'22", 11°58'2" | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Star That Should Not Exist | $0.99 | one-time |
| Un océan d'étoiles | $0.99 | one-time |
| Esculape | $0.99 | one-time |
| Sur le dos du cheval ailé | $0.99 | one-time |
| L'étoile qui ne devrait pas exister | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vieillesse prématurée à Galaxie-Ville | $0.99 | one-time |


### Sky Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sky-map-live-star-tracker/id6790243989)

Identify stars, planets, and constellations by pointing your device at the sky. Offers offline functionality, multiple visual styles, and real-time ISS and meteor shower tracking. Includes Apple Watch and widget support.

**Highlights:** Live star and planet identification, Offline functionality, ISS and meteor shower tracking, Multiple visual sky styles, Apple Watch integration, 13 customizable widgets, 100% red night mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sky Map Premium Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| Sky Map Premium Monthly | $5.99 | per month |
| Sky Map Premium Yearly | $24.99 | per year |
| Sky Map Premium Lifetime | $79.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starmap free?

Starmap is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Sky Map free?

Sky Map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Starmap or Sky Map?

Starmap and Sky Map are both rated 4.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Starmap or Sky Map have ads?

Sky Map shows ads; Starmap does not.

### Which is updated more often, Starmap or Sky Map?

Starmap ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sky Map every 3 weeks. Most recently, Starmap was updated on October 22, 2026 and Sky Map on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*