Comparison

Magnetic Storms vs CrowdMag

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Magnetic Storms

Monitor Earth's magnetic field and solar activity in near real-time. Track Kp and A indices, solar wind speed, solar flares, and proton/electron flux. Predict auroras and magnetic storms.

Highlights
  • Real-time magnetic field monitoring
  • Solar activity tracking
  • Kp and A Index data
  • Solar wind speed
  • Solar flare detection
  • Proton and electron flux
  • Aurora prediction
Read full description

The Magnetic Storms application was originally developed to allow monitoring of the Earth's magnetic field in near real time, using data from GOES satellites that constantly monitor solar activity and a set of magnetic stations distributed around the Earth. With the improvement of the application due to the huge number of users and the availability of new parameters related to the Sun and Space Weather by the space agencies, lots of other information was added and they are shown in a simple and intuitive way. The main parameters presented are the Kp Index, the A Index, the instantaneous speed of the solar wind, the number of class C, M and X solar flares observed in X-rays, in addition to the flux of protons and electrons, flux of X-rays and magnetic field measurements observed by GOES-16. With an analysis of this information it is possible to anticipate sudden changes in the Earth's magnetic field at ground level and the occurrence of aurora with some advance. An ideal application for anyone who wants to monitor solar activity and its implications on Earth, such as problems in the transmission of radio and TV waves, blackouts in electricity transformer stations, auroras, magnetic storms. It is the perfect app for anyone interested in Space Weather in general, and is available in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and French. As a way of keeping the app distributed for free and constantly updated, we kindly ask you to rate the app ("stars") and write a brief description of why you use it and (we hope you) enjoy it. Criticism and suggestions are always welcome at mikebm10.appledeveloper@gmail.com. NOTE: the parameters shown in the application are obtained from the research entities responsible for their collection and processing, and depend on the availability and access to the electronic servers of these entities. Any connection speed problems with the servers or temporary unavailability of information by those institutions can affect the functioning of the application, and are beyond the control of the developers. Problems should be reported by email mikebm10.appledeveloper@gmail.com, with a description of the observed effects. Please do not assign a low rating in the evaluation of the application for possible failures in the servers, which are not our responsibility. An email message will be promptly answered and possible measures will be taken. We thank you for your understanding.

About

CrowdMag

This app allows users to measure and contribute to scientific research on Earth's magnetic field using their smartphone. It offers features for recording magnetic data during various activities, including flights, and provides tools for data visualization and analysis.

Highlights
  • Measure magnetic field data
  • Contribute to scientific research
  • Record data during flights
  • Visualize data on maps and graphs
  • Magnetic calculator with WMM2020
  • Live magnetic compass
  • Export data via email/Google Drive
Features
Read full description

Introducing CrowdMag's newest feature: Flight Mode, which lets you contribute to scientific research by measuring the magnetic field as you fly around the world. To get started, simply provide your itinerary on the CrowdMag app, and you'll be able to turn your flight into a scientific expedition. Check out this step-by-step tutorial for measuring data while flying: https://geomag.colorado.edu/crowdmag-flight-mode-tutorial . CrowdMag is an app that lets you measure the local magnetic field using your smartphone. You can view the data as a graph or a map in nanotesla units. CrowdMag measures the Z (downward component), H (horizontal intensity), and F (total intensity) magnetic field components. You can use CrowdMag for measuring magnetic data during outdoor activities, while flying, or to conduct your own experiments. You can also share it with NOAA to help scientists better understand Earth's magnetic field. If you're going for a walk, run, or other outdoor activities, you can use CrowdMag to measure the magnetic data along your path and save it as a "magtivity." And, if you get a new phone, don't worry! You can export a backup of your CrowdMag data and save it on your computer. This way, if you have to reset your phone or switch to a new one, you can import your backup and continue using CrowdMag without losing your data or progress. CrowdMag also has a magnetic calculator that provides magvar (declination), the magnetic field's dip angle, total magnetic field, and other magnetic field components based on the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM2020). Some of the other features of CrowdMag include creating your own magtivities, customizing recording frequency and location accuracy, exporting your data via email or Google Drive, and seeing generalized crowdsourced magnetic data from other users. And, before we forget, CrowdMag also features a compass that distinctly shows both true and magnetic north. As an added feature, the compass also has a 3D display with an optional audio output - check it out! CrowdMag features: * Create your own magnetic activity (called a "magtivity") * Measure data while flying * Customize recording frequency and location accuracy to your preferences * View your magnetic data on an interactive Google Map * Graph your data as a time series line chart * Check the quality of your data by comparing it with the World Magnetic Model (WMM) * Export your data as a CSV file * Clear stored data on your phone when you want to start fresh * Choose to share your data with NOAA (optional) * See generalized crowdsourced magnetic data from other users * Use the live magnetic compass for 2D and 3D rendering * View information about the current solar magnetic disturbance * Use the most up-to-date magnetic field model (WMM2020) * Export your data via email, Google Drive, or other options * Export a CrowdMag backup to save your contributions' status and data * Import your CrowdMag backup (works across different phone platforms) Visit https://geomag.colorado.edu/crowdmag to see crowdsourced magnetic data .

Screenshots

Magnetic Storms4 screens
CrowdMag4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: CrowdMag at none against Magnetic Storms's shown. CrowdMag also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 12 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Magnetic Storms's advantage is review sentiment (82% vs 53%) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.3 for Magnetic Storms against 4.3 for CrowdMag. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 24 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 82% of Magnetic Storms's written reviews are positive against 53% of CrowdMag's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Magnetic Storms ships an update every 12 months, CrowdMag every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on June 10, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Magnetic Storms versus CrowdMag: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagnetic StormsCrowdMag
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (19 ratings)4.3 (24 ratings)
Positive reviews81.5% of reviews — better52.9% of reviews
Number of ratings1924 — better
Update frequencyEvery 12 monthsEvery 2 months — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS12.4 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size37 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndre MolinaUniversity of Colorado Boulder

Customer experience

Magnetic Storms

All ratings19 ratings
Positive84.2%
Neutral5.3%
Negative10.5%
Written reviews92 reviews
Positive81.5%
Neutral5.4%
Negative13.0%

CrowdMag

All ratings24 ratings
Positive79.2%
Neutral8.3%
Negative12.5%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive52.9%
Neutral17.6%
Negative29.4%

In-app purchases

None

Magnetic Storms

No in-app purchases

None

CrowdMag

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Magnetic Storms free?
Magnetic Storms is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is CrowdMag free?
CrowdMag is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Magnetic Storms or CrowdMag?
Magnetic Storms and CrowdMag are both rated 4.3 out of 5 on the App Store, from 19 and 24 ratings respectively.
Do Magnetic Storms or CrowdMag have ads?
Magnetic Storms shows ads; CrowdMag does not.
Which is updated more often, Magnetic Storms or CrowdMag?
Magnetic Storms ships an update every 12 months, and CrowdMag every 2 months. Most recently, Magnetic Storms was updated on June 10, 2026 and CrowdMag on September 22, 2026.

Other comparisons