# StarMap 3D+ Plus vs Star Rover

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Star Rover at none against StarMap 3D+ Plus's 1. Star Rover also leads on price ($1.99 vs $2.99) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16.6). StarMap 3D+ Plus's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (6.9K vs 414). On rating, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99 and Star Rover $1.99 up front. StarMap 3D+ Plus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Star Rover asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for StarMap 3D+ Plus against 4.7 for Star Rover. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: StarMap 3D+ Plus has 6.9K ratings behind it against 414, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 86% of StarMap 3D+ Plus's written reviews are positive against 89% of Star Rover's.

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, Star Rover every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarMap 3D+ Plus | Star Rover |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d-plus-plus/id351986992/reviews)** | [4.7 (414 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-rover-stargazing-guide/id386628906/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **6.9K** | 414 |
| Positive reviews | 86.1% of reviews | **89.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 576 MB | 50 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPod, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sanville Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/324038410) | [寒飞 易](https://appshunter.io/developer/326163982) |

## What reviewers say

### StarMap 3D+ Plus

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d-plus-plus/id351986992)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| More Stars | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Excellent star mapping and identification
- 🔍 Detailed information on celestial objects
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🔭 Helpful for amateur astronomers
- 🌍 Works well across locations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional tracking/alignment issues
- 🔍 Lack of detailed instructions/guides
- 🔒 Privacy concerns regarding data collection
- 🎨 Dislike for cartoon-style constellation art

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes on launch
- Incorrect moon and planet positioning
- Inconsistent performance after updates

**Requested features**

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


### Star Rover

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-rover-stargazing-guide/id386628906)

Explore the night sky with this interactive planetarium. Identify stars, planets, and constellations by simply pointing your device. Discover celestial objects, view moon phases, and even simulate future or past sky events.

**Highlights:** Real-time sky map updates, Identify stars, planets, constellations, View moon phases and nebulae, Manual location and time settings, Over 120,000 stars, 88 constellations with artwork

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Excellent star-gazing app
- 🔍 Helpful for identifying stars and constellations
- 🌌 Detailed information on celestial objects
- 🌠 Useful for amateur astronomers and enthusiasts
- 🌌 Accurate and up-to-date sky mapping

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional issues with accuracy and alignment
- 🔍 Difficulty zooming in on small details
- 🔋 High battery consumption when used extensively
- 📱 Compatibility issues with certain device models

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to access certain features
- Incorrect location detection leading to inaccurate sky mapping

**Requested features**

- Add weather information to predict cloud cover
- Implement a red night mode for better visibility
- Introduce a search function to easily find celestial objects
- Allow users to save custom star gazing locations


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarMap 3D+ Plus free?

StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Star Rover free?

Star Rover costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StarMap 3D+ Plus or Star Rover?

StarMap 3D+ Plus is rated higher. StarMap 3D+ Plus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.9K ratings, while Star Rover averages 4.7 from 414 ratings.

### Do StarMap 3D+ Plus or Star Rover have ads?

Neither StarMap 3D+ Plus nor Star Rover shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarMap 3D+ Plus or Star Rover?

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, and Star Rover every 5 months. Most recently, StarMap 3D+ Plus was updated on November 9, 2026 and Star Rover on November 6, 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.*