# StarMap 3D+ Plus vs SkyView®

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SkyView® at none against StarMap 3D+ Plus's 1. SkyView® also leads on chart position (#3 vs unranked). StarMap 3D+ Plus's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 4 months) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

StarMap 3D+ Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6.8K and 7.7K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of StarMap 3D+ Plus's written reviews are positive against 72% of SkyView®'s.

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, SkyView® every 4 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarMap 3D+ Plus | SkyView® |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | $2.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d-plus-plus/id351986992/reviews)** | [4.6 (7.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyview/id404990064/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6.8K | **7.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **86.0% of reviews** | 71.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#3** |
| Size | 576 MB | 112 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sanville Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/324038410) | [Terminal Eleven LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/378238417) |

## 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


### SkyView®

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyview/id404990064)

**Currently charting:** #3 Top Paid · Education, #68 Top Paid (US App Store)

Identify stars, constellations, planets, and satellites by simply pointing your device at the sky. This app uses augmented reality to guide you and provides information on celestial objects, upcoming events, and even allows you to travel through time to view the sky on different dates.

**Highlights:** Identify stars, planets, and satellites with AR, Discover all 88 constellations, Schedule alerts for celestial events, Night mode for preserving vision, Time travel to view past/future skies, Capture and share celestial images

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 🔭 Helpful for stargazing and identifying celestial objects
- 🌌 Provides a lot of information about the night sky
- 🎶 Relaxing background music
- 🤩 Amazed by the app's capabilities

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Calibration issues and inaccurate compass
- 🤷‍♀️ Missing some celestial objects like comets and the James Webb Space Telescope
- 🌌 Constellation overlays can be obstructive
- 🙈 Showing stars/planets on walls/floors even when not present
- 📱 Compatibility issues on certain devices

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing and crashing issues
- Compass and orientation problems
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between automatic and manual calibration

**Requested features**

- Add more celestial objects like comets, dwarf planets, and the James Webb Space Telescope
- Improve calibration and compass accuracy
- Add option to hide constellation overlays
- Implement a feature to track the International Space Station and other satellites
- Add a widget for quick access to sky information


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarMap 3D+ Plus free?

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

### Is SkyView® free?

SkyView® costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StarMap 3D+ Plus or SkyView®?

StarMap 3D+ Plus is rated higher. StarMap 3D+ Plus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.8K ratings, while SkyView® averages 4.6 from 7.7K ratings.

### Do StarMap 3D+ Plus or SkyView® have ads?

Neither StarMap 3D+ Plus nor SkyView® shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarMap 3D+ Plus or SkyView®?

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, and SkyView® every 4 months. Most recently, StarMap 3D+ Plus was updated on September 24, 2026 and SkyView® on September 24, 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.*