SatFinder vs SatFinder Lite
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SatFinder
Easily align your satellite dish in four simple steps. Select your antenna type, choose a satellite, check for obstacles, and adjust your dish for optimal reception.
- Choose from four antenna designs
- Automatic satellite search
- Obstacle detection with visual indicators
- Step-by-step antenna adjustment guidance
- Camera and LiDAR for antenna measurement
- Channel information for selected satellites
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With SatFinder you can adjust your satellite antenna in a few seconds and with 4 simple steps: STEP 1 - CHOOSE YOUR ANTENNA Choose one of the four different antenna designs: - Offset antennas (the most common, is slightly oval, the LNB is not in the center). - Special design (e.g. Oblong shaped Offset antenna, Multifeed antenna) - Parabolic antenna (LNB is located in the center of the reflector, usually larger than 100cm) - Flat or planar antenna (small, camping antennas) If you have an offset antenna, enter the height and width of the antenna. If your antenna has a special shape, enter the offset angle and the size of the satellite antenna. You can find the offset angle in the manual of your satellite antenna. For parabolic antennas it is sufficient to enter the antenna diameter. With a flat antenna you do not have to set anything. If you know the exact antenna name, check if your antenna is already in the database. Tip: Press the wizard button to measure the size of the satellite antenna using the iPhone camera and LiDAR scanner. STEP 2 - CHOOSE YOUR SATELLITE To quickly and easily select a suitable satellite, simply press the "AUTO" button. The SatFinder will now automatically search for satellites that are in your reception area and that offer TV or radio stations in your language (the language setting of your iPhone will be selected). The stars (1-10) shown in the table result from the number of radio and TV channels offered and the reception strength at your location. If you want to receive a special satellite, switch off "AUTO": Now you can simply scroll through the table and select the satellite. Faster is the search function - just enter the name of the satellite, the channel or the orbit position. You can also reduce the number of table entries by hiding satellites that are not available at your location or do not broadcast in your language. With the button "Channel Info" you can check which channels the selected satellite is currently broadcasting - including all channel parameters for your satellite receiver. STEP 3 - CHECK OBSTACLES For a smooth satellite reception, there must not be any obstacles between the satellite and your satellite antenna. You can check this with the "View" function. Simply aim at the satellite and watch the signs (GREEN - no obstacle, RED - caution, free view may not be given). Tip: Press the button for the assistant to activate the voice output. STEP 4 - ADJUST ANTENNA In the menu item "Align" different graphics appear depending on the selected antenna type. If you use an offset antenna, you have to adjust the azimuth and elevation separately. With planar or parabolic antennas the adjustment of the angles is done together. Before you press the "Start" button, a video clip shows how to position your iPhone at the antenna. Tip: Press the button for the assistant to activate the voice output. STEP 5 - FINE TUNING If necessary, you can optimize the reception of your satellite system. The SatFinder provides you with the function "FineTuning". To use this function, you need a second iOS device. One device serves as a camera; the second device as a monitor. Simply place an iPhone in front of your reception screen and observe changes in picture quality while slightly rotating or tilting your satellite antenna. With the FineTuning feature, you'll have visual contact with your TV even when you're out of sight. THAT'S IT. YOU SHOULD NOW BE ABLE TO ENJOY INTERFERENCE-FREE SATELLITE RECEPTION... Note: Satellite antenna tuning is only available on iOS devices with LiDAR sensor (e.g. iPhone 12 Pro).
SatFinder Lite
This app helps you find TV satellites using your device's camera and sensors. It provides an augmented reality view to visualize satellite positions and calculate the correct angles for your antenna. Easily check for line of sight to ensure optimal signal reception.
- Augmented Reality satellite view
- Satellite dish alignment tool
- Azimuth and elevation calculation
- Line of sight obstruction check
- Screenshot capture of AR view
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Locate TV satellites in the sky with your iPhone or iPad. SatFinder Lite is a tool for finding TV satellites and aligning satellite dishes. SatFinder uses your phone sensors to detect your physical location and calculates azimuth and elevation your satellite antenna needs to face. - Use Augmented Reality View to see and target satellites in the sky. Use your camera for Augmented Reality View which shows satellite icons in places where they're positioned in the sky. It gives a realistic view to the sky and it helps to make sure there is a line of sight (LOS), i.e. no obstacles, such as tree branches or house tops, between the satellite dish and the satellite itself. - Touch screen to take a screenshot of Augmented Reality view
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: SatFinder Lite at Free against SatFinder's $5.99. SatFinder Lite also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 14.0). SatFinder's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and device support 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
SatFinder Lite is free to download; SatFinder costs $5.99 up front. SatFinder Lite sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SatFinder asks for nothing beyond the download.
SatFinder holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SatFinder has 344 ratings behind it against 57, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 54% of SatFinder's written reviews are positive against 35% of SatFinder Lite's.
SatFinder ships an update every 2 months, SatFinder Lite every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SatFinder | SatFinder Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.6 (344 ratings) — better | 3.1 (57 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 53.6% of reviews — better | 35.5% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 344 — better | 57 |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 4 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 9.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 57 MB | 8 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ralf Andrae | Droidware UK |
Customer experience
SatFinder
SatFinder Lite
Bugs and requests
SatFinder
Reported bugs
3 issues- Crashes on launch
- Compass issues when near dish
- Incorrect satellite positioning information
Requested features
4 requests- Add support for more satellite providers
- Improve compass accuracy and reduce interference
- Provide option to disable startup video
- Add LNB skew adjustment
SatFinder Lite
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
SatFinder
No in-app purchases
SatFinder Lite
- Remove Ads$3.99
Questions
Is SatFinder free?
Is SatFinder Lite free?
Which has better reviews, SatFinder or SatFinder Lite?
Do SatFinder or SatFinder Lite have ads?
Which is updated more often, SatFinder or SatFinder Lite?
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