Comparison

Total Solar Eclipses vs Eclipse Countdown

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

Head to head
About

Total Solar Eclipses

Explore detailed information on solar and lunar eclipses from 1900 to 2100. Visualize eclipse paths on Earth maps, watch animations, and check visibility from any location.

Highlights
  • Eclipse data 1900-2100
  • Solar and lunar eclipse details
  • Universal Time eclipse phase timings
  • Geographical coordinates for observation
  • Earth Map, Movie, and Google Map visualization
  • Observer coordinate adjustment
  • Eclipse visibility prediction
Features
Read full description

Total and Total-annular solar eclipses processed by the program are comprised between 1900 and 2100, exactly 287 eclipses from 28th May 1900 to 4th September 2100. The program also shows partial solar eclipses and lunar eclipses. The program gives the times in Universal Time of the Solar eclipse phases (initial, central and final) and the geographical coordinates from where it is possible to observe those circumstances of the eclipse. It also gives maximum duration and the width of the lunar umbra. Below Path of the Umbra are listed Longitude and Latitude of seven point of the lunar umbra path on the Earth surface. The program has a few functions: Earth Map, Movie and Google Map visualization. The first allows seeing a few points of the path of the lunar umbra on Earth surface; the second creates an animation:  the user will see the eclipse from one hour before up to one hour after its maximum phase with step of 2 minutes; the third function allows to visualize Google Map of the area around the point where the eclipse reaches the maximum or that selected from the user. Moreover it is possible to change geographical coordinates of the observer. This allows knowing if and how the eclipse will be seen from other points of the Earth surface (e.g. it is possible to know if the eclipse will be partial or it does not occur for those coordinates). App in english version if iOS language is not set to italian.

About

Eclipse Countdown

This astronomical tool provides precise sub-second solar eclipse timings and interactive maps. It guides users through the eclipse experience with real-time calculations, audio cues, and a list of phenomena to observe.

Highlights
  • Precision timing engine
  • Interactive mapping
  • Live audio synchronization
  • List of phenomena to observe
  • Lunar limb profile corrections
  • 3D computational models
Features
Read full description

The Eclipse App is a high-fidelity astronomical tool engineered for observers who demand absolute accuracy as well as beginners who need a guide through the exceptional experience of their first total solar eclipse. Powered by the latest 3D computational models developed by the Besselian Elements Team, this App provides accurate sub-second eclipse contact timings using lunar limb profile corrections. Whether you are a professional researcher, an astrophotographer, or a dedicated eclipse chaser, this app provides the rigorous data necessary for a successful expedition, from interactive map useful for planning, to simulating the countdown and exercise with the equipment, and for real time tracking in case you are moving in search of the right spot. Core Features: • Precision Timing Engine: Real-time calculations of Contact Times based on your exact GPS coordinates • Interactive Mapping: High-resolution path-of-totality overlays including umbral limits an the center-line. The IQP method accounts for the topography on both the lunar limb and at the observer site, as well as relying on an improved value for the eclipse solar radius (959.95" ± 0.05", based on research by the Besselian Elements Team). The eclipse center-line and the northern and southern limits of the umbral shadow path also account for these three factors. Hence, these lines are not smooth lines, as in most publicly-available eclipse maps, but are noticeably jagged. Two lines are presented at each path limit corresponding to two values of the eclipse solar radius (959.90" and 960.00") in order to display a region of uncertainty rather than a single limit line. • Live Audio Synchronization: A sophisticated voice-cue system that announces critical contact phases and astronomical phenomena (e.g., shadow bands, corona visibility, and solar filtration changes), allowing you to keep your eyes on the sky or your equipment. • List of phenomena to observe during the eclipse at every step, so that you can be reminded to watch at the right time Designed for the Rigorous Observer: The Eclipse App eliminates the margin of error inherent in simplified models. Prepare for the next Great Eclipse with the most scientifically robust tool available on the App Store.

Screenshots

Total Solar Eclipses4 screens
Eclipse Countdown4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Eclipse Countdown at 100% against Total Solar Eclipses's 43%. Eclipse Countdown also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months). Total Solar Eclipses's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.1). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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

Total Solar Eclipses costs $1.99 and Eclipse Countdown $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Total Solar Eclipses ships an update every 4 months, Eclipse Countdown monthly. The most recent releases landed on August 12, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Total Solar Eclipses versus Eclipse Countdown: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTotal Solar EclipsesEclipse Countdown
Price$1.99$1.99
Rating3.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews42.9% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size101 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPietro MassiminoBESSELIAN ELEMENTS PTY LTD

Customer experience

Total Solar Eclipses

All ratings5 ratings
Positive60.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative40.0%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive42.9%
Neutral0.0%
Negative57.1%

Eclipse Countdown

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Total Solar Eclipses

No in-app purchases

None

Eclipse Countdown

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Total Solar Eclipses free?
Total Solar Eclipses costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Eclipse Countdown free?
Eclipse Countdown costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Total Solar Eclipses or Eclipse Countdown have ads?
Neither Total Solar Eclipses nor Eclipse Countdown shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Total Solar Eclipses or Eclipse Countdown?
Total Solar Eclipses ships an update every 4 months, and Eclipse Countdown monthly. Most recently, Total Solar Eclipses was updated on August 12, 2026 and Eclipse Countdown on September 10, 2026.

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