# Altimeter+ vs Celestial Navigation

The clearest difference is monetization model: Altimeter+ at free against Celestial Navigation's paid. Altimeter+ also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and ratings volume (700 vs 15). Celestial Navigation's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months). On price, review sentiment, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Altimeter+ costs $1.99 and Celestial Navigation $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Altimeter+ holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Altimeter+ has 700 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Altimeter+'s written reviews are positive against 77% of Celestial Navigation's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Altimeter+ ships an update every 2 months, Celestial Navigation every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Altimeter+ | Celestial Navigation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | $1.99 |
| Rating | **[4.5 (700 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altimeter-plus/id417204570/reviews)** | [4.2 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/celestial-navigation/id1458513224/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **700** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | 74.9% of reviews | **77.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#20** | — |
| Size | 45 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.1 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sichtwerk AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/410851296) | [Dr. Harald Merkel](https://appshunter.io/developer/404381431) |

## What reviewers say

### Altimeter+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/altimeter-plus/id417204570)

**Currently charting:** #20 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

This app measures your current altitude using GPS, ASTER data, or your device's barometer. It offers an integrated map with peak data, a compass, and distance grids, functioning even without active GPS.

**Highlights:** GPS, ASTER, and barometer altitude measurement, Average altitude calculation, Integral map with peak indicator, Compass and distance grid, Apple Watch support, Works without active GPS

**Features:** Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Accurate and reliable
- 🗺️ Useful map and GPS features
- 💡 Helpful for hiking, flying, and various activities
- 🔍 Precise altitude readings
- 🔨 Simple and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Calibration issues on Apple Watch
- 🔋 High battery consumption on Apple Watch
- 🌞 Difficult to read in bright sunlight
- 🤖 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to calibrate or access settings
- Altimeter readings are inaccurate or inconsistent
- App not working on certain devices or iOS versions

**Requested features**

- Add option to display altitude in feet or meters
- Implement automatic calibration using GPS
- Add complication support for Apple Watch
- Provide above ground level (AGL) altitude reading


### Celestial Navigation

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/celestial-navigation/id1458513224)

This application assists with celestial navigation by performing sextant sight reduction calculations. It displays intermediate numbers for verification and can draw lines of position on a map. Features include a perpetual nautical almanac and a star finder to identify celestial bodies.

**Highlights:** Sextant sight reduction calculations, Perpetual nautical almanac, Line of position calculation and plotting, Star Finder for celestial identification, Save and manage sextant readings, Display intermediate calculation numbers

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Altimeter+ free?

Altimeter+ costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Celestial Navigation free?

Celestial Navigation costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Altimeter+ or Celestial Navigation?

Altimeter+ is rated higher. Altimeter+ averages 4.5 out of 5 from 700 ratings, while Celestial Navigation averages 4.2 from 15 ratings.

### Do Altimeter+ or Celestial Navigation have ads?

Neither Altimeter+ nor Celestial Navigation shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Altimeter+ or Celestial Navigation?

Altimeter+ ships an update every 2 months, and Celestial Navigation every 5 days. Most recently, Altimeter+ was updated on September 23, 2026 and Celestial Navigation 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.*