Comparison

StarMap 3D+ Plus vs SkyORB ∞ Astronomy

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

Head to head
About

StarMap 3D+ Plus

Explore the cosmos with a portable star atlas. Identify planets, constellations, and deep sky objects using your device's sensors. Features detailed information and 3D visualizations for both beginners and advanced astronomers.

Highlights
  • Real-time satellite tracking (ISS, Hubble)
  • Extensive star and deep sky object database
  • Detailed constellation information and lines
  • Location-based celestial object identification
  • 3D universe visualization
  • Adjustable date and time for celestial viewing
Features
Read full description

Use your iPhone's compass and gyroscope to find planets, constellations, satellites, and more with crisp, colorful, high-definition Retina graphics that use every pixel of your iPhone or iPad! Hold the universe in your pocket! StarMap 3D Plus is the portable star atlas for beginners or advanced astronomers. Use StarMap 3D Plus to find the planets, stars, constellations, star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae visible to you based on your location and time. StarMap 3D will even use the compass to automatically align the map! • Real-time positions of 150 artificial satellites, including the International Space Station (ISS), and the Hubble Space Telescope • iPad Support • Over 100,000 stars, with detailed information for each of them • 6,441 deep sky objects, with details such as distance from Earth, diameter, apparent size and orientation, and morphology • All 88 modern constellations, with lines based on the outlines from "The Stars: A New Way to See Them" by H.A. Rey • MacRobert and Classic constellation lines also available • Location-based-services (LBS) / Global Positioning System (GPS) support, or manually enter your longitude and latitude • Adjustable date and time of day • Also adjust time instantaneously and interactively with the Time Scroll feature • Compass support, if present • Planetarium Mode for seeing only objects visible to you, or browse the entire celestial sphere • 3D Mode for visualizing the universe in three dimensions

About

SkyORB ∞ Astronomy

Explore the universe with an interactive 3D star map, real-time celestial positions, and a 14-day schedule of astronomical events. Identify stars and planets using augmented reality and access detailed information about celestial bodies.

Highlights
  • Interactive 3D star map
  • Real-time celestial positions
  • Augmented Reality (AR) identification
  • 14-day astronomical event schedule
  • Detailed planet and celestial body information
  • Time shift feature for celestial events
Features
Read full description

SkyORB ∞ — The Premium Version of SkyORB Classic SkyORB ∞ is the premium edition of SkyORB Classic, created for users who want the most complete and refined SkyORB experience. It features better sky maps, more advanced 2D and 3D charts, richer astronomy information, improved navigation, and a modern interface for exploring the night sky. Built on more than 20 years of astronomy app development, SkyORB ∞ brings together interactive 2D and 3D sky maps, real-time planet and star positions, Augmented Reality sky identification, detailed Moon and Sun information, astronomy events, Apple Watch support, and a refined interface optimized for the latest Apple devices. SkyORB ∞ is a one-time purchase with no ads, no subscriptions, and no in-app purchases. Every feature is included. ### Why choose SkyORB ∞? SkyORB Classic makes astronomy accessible to everyone. SkyORB ∞ goes further with clearer and more detailed sky maps, improved stereographic and orbit charts, a cleaner interface, deeper sky information, and premium features designed for iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. ### Main Features Explore an interactive 3D sky map with stars, planets, constellations, comets, satellites, and deep-sky objects. Navigate redesigned 2D sky and orbit charts with curved labels, clearer constellation names, smart overlap reduction, panning, automatic framing, and detailed satellite and comet trails. Use Augmented Reality to identify stars, planets, and constellations by pointing your device at the sky. Follow the Sun and Moon with rise and set times, moon phases, and daily sky information for your location. Travel through time to see the sky in the past or future and prepare for upcoming celestial events. Check a 14-day astronomy calendar with Moon phases, planetary events, meteor showers, and other sky highlights. Discover detailed information about planets, the Moon, Messier objects, and famous astronomers. Stay connected with Apple Watch support, including quick access to useful astronomy information from your wrist. Enjoy a modern, refined interface designed for recent iPhone and iPad models. ### Premium, Simple, Yours SkyORB ∞ is made for users who want the best version of SkyORB: more complete, more precise, more comfortable to use, and entirely free from ads, subscriptions, and in-app purchases. Whether you are a casual stargazer, an astronomy enthusiast, or a long-time SkyORB user, SkyORB ∞ gives you a powerful and beautiful way to explore the universe. Upgrade from SkyORB Classic to SkyORB ∞ and enjoy the premium way to discover the night sky.

Screenshots

StarMap 3D+ Plus4 screens
SkyORB ∞ Astronomy4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: StarMap 3D+ Plus at 86% against SkyORB ∞ Astronomy's 0%. SkyORB ∞ Astronomy's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and device support (5 vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement 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

StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99 and SkyORB ∞ Astronomy $2.99 up front. StarMap 3D+ Plus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SkyORB ∞ Astronomy asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, SkyORB ∞ Astronomy every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
StarMap 3D+ Plus versus SkyORB ∞ Astronomy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStarMap 3D+ PlusSkyORB ∞ Astronomy
Price$2.99$2.99
Rating4.8 (6.8K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews86.1% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings6.8K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple WatchiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.615.6 — better
Further details — not scored
Size576 MB303 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSanville SoftwareStephane Denis

Customer experience

StarMap 3D+ Plus

All ratings6,821 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral1.5%
Negative1.9%
Written reviews753 reviews
Positive86.1%
Neutral5.0%
Negative8.9%

SkyORB ∞ Astronomy

Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

Bugs and requests

StarMap 3D+ Plus

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • App crashes or freezes on launch
  • Incorrect moon and planet positioning
  • Inconsistent performance after updates

Requested features

4 requests
  • More detailed deep sky object representations
  • Improved tracking and compass accuracy
  • Addition of educational content and tutorials
  • Customization options for constellation art

SkyORB ∞ Astronomy

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

StarMap 3D+ Plus

One-time1
  • More Stars$1.99
None

SkyORB ∞ Astronomy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StarMap 3D+ Plus free?
StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is SkyORB ∞ Astronomy free?
SkyORB ∞ Astronomy costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do StarMap 3D+ Plus or SkyORB ∞ Astronomy have ads?
Neither StarMap 3D+ Plus nor SkyORB ∞ Astronomy shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StarMap 3D+ Plus or SkyORB ∞ Astronomy?
StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, and SkyORB ∞ Astronomy every 2 months. Most recently, StarMap 3D+ Plus was updated on October 19, 2026 and SkyORB ∞ Astronomy on September 29, 2026.

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