# StarTracker vs Satellite Tracker by Star Walk

The clearest difference is price: Satellite Tracker by Star Walk at Free against StarTracker's $2.99. Satellite Tracker by Star Walk also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months) and ratings volume (70K vs 159). StarTracker's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). On rating, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Satellite Tracker by Star Walk is free to download; StarTracker costs $2.99 up front. Satellite Tracker by Star Walk sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $0.49 per month. StarTracker asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for StarTracker against 4.6 for Satellite Tracker by Star Walk. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Satellite Tracker by Star Walk has 70K ratings behind it against 159, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 85% of StarTracker's written reviews are positive against 58% of Satellite Tracker by Star Walk's.

StarTracker ships an update every 12 months, Satellite Tracker by Star Walk every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarTracker | Satellite Tracker by Star Walk |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (159 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startracker-mobile-skymap/id439581967/reviews)** | [4.6 (70K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/satellite-tracker-by-star-walk/id1248172706/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 159 | **70K** |
| Positive reviews | **84.5% of reviews** | 57.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 12 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#84** | #179 |
| Size | 19 MB | 331 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [身吉 潘](https://appshunter.io/developer/341563645) | [Vito Technology Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/289641503) |

## What reviewers say

### StarTracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/startracker-mobile-skymap/id439581967)

**Currently charting:** #84 Top Paid · Reference (US App Store)

Explore the night sky in real-time by pointing your device at the stars. Identify celestial bodies, constellations, and deep sky objects with augmented reality and offline data. Adjust time and date to see how the sky changes.

**Highlights:** Augmented reality star gazing, Identify planets, stars, and constellations, Offline celestial data, Search and lock celestial objects, Time Machine for sky simulation, Share screenshots of the sky

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and intuitive interface
- 🎯 Accurate star and constellation identification
- ✨ Beautiful graphics and visual design
- 📱 Works offline without internet connection
- 🔍 Helpful for learning astronomy and constellations

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🧭 Compass calibration issues and inaccuracy
- 🐛 Graphics spinning or displaying incorrectly
- 📞 No developer support or contact options
- 🔄 App not updated for newer iOS versions
- 📱 Display issues on newer phone models (iPhone XR, etc.)

**Reported bugs**

- Compass doesn't point in correct direction
- App crashes on iOS 6 and older versions
- Graphics spin aimlessly without user input
- Calibration fails repeatedly
- Display cutoff on newer iPhone models

**Requested features**

- Augmented reality capability
- Search function for objects by typing
- Star and object information details (size, mass, distance, composition)
- Ability to disable auto-zoom feature
- Lock screen to prevent continuous compass tracking


### Satellite Tracker by Star Walk

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/satellite-tracker-by-star-walk/id1248172706)

**Currently charting:** #179 Top Grossing · Reference, #202 Top Free · Reference (US App Store)

Track satellites in real-time, including the ISS and Starlink. Get predictions for upcoming passes and set alerts. Explore satellite orbits and trajectories with various viewing modes.

**Highlights:** Real-time satellite tracking, Satellite flyby timer, Pass predictions, Customizable location, Fly-with-satellite view, Satellite orbit over Earth

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Real Time Satellite Tracking | $0.49 | per month |
| Satellite Tracker Premium: 1m | $0.99 | per month |
| Real Time Satellite Tracking | $0.99 | per 3 months |
| Satellite Tracker Premium: 1m | $1.99 | per month |
| Satellite Tracker Premium: 1m | $1.99 | per month |
| Satellite Tracker Premium: 1y | $5.99 | per year |
| Satellite Tracker Premium: 1y | $7.99 | per year |
| Satellite Tracker Premium: 1y | $7.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Premium Access Sale | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Premium Access | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🔭 Excellent for tracking ISS
- 🌍 Impressive 3D graphics
- 👍 Helpful for stargazing with kids
- 🔍 Useful for identifying satellites

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Subscription model too restrictive
- 🔍 Limited satellite tracking options
- 🕰️ Inaccurate pass timing notifications
- 🔌 Requires internet connection
- 🔍 Difficult to find and track specific satellites

**Reported bugs**

- Unsubscribe button not working
- Compass issues causing incorrect orientation
- Occasional crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add more satellite tracking options
- Improve pass timing accuracy
- Provide offline mode for remote use
- Allow tracking of HAM radio satellites
- Add more detailed satellite information


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarTracker free?

StarTracker costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Satellite Tracker by Star Walk free?

Satellite Tracker by Star Walk is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, StarTracker or Satellite Tracker by Star Walk?

StarTracker is rated higher. StarTracker averages 4.7 out of 5 from 159 ratings, while Satellite Tracker by Star Walk averages 4.6 from 70K ratings.

### Do StarTracker or Satellite Tracker by Star Walk have ads?

Satellite Tracker by Star Walk shows ads; StarTracker does not.

### Which is updated more often, StarTracker or Satellite Tracker by Star Walk?

StarTracker ships an update every 12 months, and Satellite Tracker by Star Walk every 2 months. Most recently, StarTracker was updated on October 26, 2026 and Satellite Tracker by Star Walk on October 26, 2026.

### Which is more popular, StarTracker or Satellite Tracker by Star Walk?

StarTracker currently peaks at #84 in the App Store charts, and Satellite Tracker by Star Walk at #179. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*