# StarMap 3D vs Star Map

The clearest difference is review sentiment: StarMap 3D at 89% against Star Map's 20%. StarMap 3D also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.2) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 6). Star Map's advantage is price (Free vs $1.99) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Star Map is free to download; StarMap 3D costs $1.99 up front. StarMap 3D sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Star Map asks for nothing beyond the download.

StarMap 3D holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StarMap 3D has 1.4K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 89% of StarMap 3D's written reviews are positive against 20% of Star Map's.

StarMap 3D ships an update every 6 weeks, Star Map every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarMap 3D | Star Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d/id324038407/reviews)** | [2.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-map-explore-the-sky/id1431654092/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **88.7% of reviews** | 20.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 111 MB | 74 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sanville Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/324038410) | [GUANGDONG WORDWORLD SCIENCE & EDUCATION CO., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1807328987) |

## What reviewers say

### StarMap 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d/id324038407)

Explore the night sky with this astronomy guide. It uses your device's sensors to identify planets, constellations, and deep sky objects in real-time. Discover detailed information about celestial bodies and visualize the universe in 3D.

**Highlights:** Real-time celestial object identification, Augmented reality night sky view, Detailed information on stars and deep sky objects, Constellation artwork and line options, Location-based celestial mapping, 3D universe visualization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Constellation Artwork | $0.99 | one-time |
| More Stars | $0.99 | one-time |
| More Stars | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate mapping of stars and planets
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 💡 Useful for learning about the night sky
- 🌟 Provides a great stargazing experience
- 🔭 Helpful for amateur astronomers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional inaccuracies in mapping
- 🧭 Compass/directional issues
- 🌌 Limited information on deep sky objects
- 🕰️ Time slider could be more intuitive

**Reported bugs**

- Calendar integration issues
- Incorrect positioning of celestial bodies

**Requested features**

- Improved 3D mode and controls
- More detailed information on planets, stars, and galaxies
- Alerts for upcoming astronomical events
- Option to search for specific celestial objects


### Star Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-map-explore-the-sky/id1431654092)

Explore the night sky with this stargazing app. Point your device to the sky to identify thousands of stars, planets, constellations, and more. It uses your device's sensors and GPS to provide an accurate celestial view.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality sky view, Identify stars, planets, and constellations, Uses device sensors and GPS, Explore thousands of celestial objects, Track ISS and satellites

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarMap 3D free?

StarMap 3D costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Star Map free?

Star Map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StarMap 3D or Star Map?

StarMap 3D is rated higher. StarMap 3D averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while Star Map averages 2.2 from 6 ratings.

### Do StarMap 3D or Star Map have ads?

Neither StarMap 3D nor Star Map shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarMap 3D or Star Map?

StarMap 3D ships an update every 6 weeks, and Star Map every 3 days. Most recently, StarMap 3D was updated on September 26, 2026 and Star Map on June 1, 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.*