# StarMap 3D+ Plus vs SkyView® Lite

The clearest difference is price: SkyView® Lite at Free against StarMap 3D+ Plus's $2.99. SkyView® Lite also leads on chart position (#153 vs unranked). StarMap 3D+ Plus's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (86% vs 65%). On ratings volume, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

SkyView® Lite is free to download; StarMap 3D+ Plus costs $2.99 up front. StarMap 3D+ Plus sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and SkyView® Lite sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

StarMap 3D+ Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 6.8K and 19K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of StarMap 3D+ Plus's written reviews are positive against 65% of SkyView® Lite's.

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, SkyView® Lite every 2 months. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarMap 3D+ Plus | SkyView® Lite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starmap-3d-plus-plus/id351986992/reviews)** | [4.5 (19K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyview-lite/id413936865/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 6.8K | **19K** |
| Positive reviews | **86.0% of reviews** | 64.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#153** |
| Size | 576 MB | 122 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® Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/skyview-lite/id413936865)

**Currently charting:** #153 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more by simply pointing your device at the sky. This augmented reality app makes stargazing accessible to everyone, day or night. Explore celestial paths and even travel through time to view the sky on different dates.

**Highlights:** Identify stars, constellations, and satellites, Augmented Reality (AR) stargazing, Set reminders for celestial events, View sky paths for Sun and Moon, Time travel to view past/future skies, Capture and share sky images

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Stargazing Music Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Brightest Satellites & Sightings | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌟 Accurate star and planet tracking
- 👍 Easy to use and navigate
- 🔭 Helpful for learning about the night sky
- 💫 Engaging and educational for all ages
- 🌌 Realistic AR display of celestial objects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compass/location issues causing inaccurate positioning
- 🔍 Limited free features, many paid upgrades
- 🤔 Confusing for some users to understand how it works
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes or freezes on some devices
- Outdated information on certain celestial objects
- Compatibility issues with older iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add more celestial objects like satellites, comets, and nebulae
- Improve compass calibration and location accuracy
- Provide more detailed information and facts about stars/planets
- Integrate with virtual reality for immersive stargazing experience
- Add reminders for upcoming astronomical events


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarMap 3D+ Plus free?

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

### Is SkyView® Lite free?

SkyView® Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

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

StarMap 3D+ Plus is rated higher. StarMap 3D+ Plus averages 4.8 out of 5 from 6.8K ratings, while SkyView® Lite averages 4.5 from 19K ratings.

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

SkyView® Lite shows ads; StarMap 3D+ Plus does not.

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

StarMap 3D+ Plus ships an update every 5 weeks, and SkyView® Lite every 2 months. Most recently, StarMap 3D+ Plus was updated on September 24, 2026 and SkyView® Lite 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.*