Comparison

Dark Sky Meter vs AtomicClock

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

Head to head
About

Dark Sky Meter

This application utilizes your device's camera to measure the brightness of the night sky. The collected data can be optionally shared with scientific researchers worldwide.

Highlights
  • Measures sky brightness
  • Uses device camera
  • Optional data sharing
  • Contributes to scientific research
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

The Dark Sky Meter app measures the sky brightness using the camera and shares it (optionally) with scientists around the globe.

About

AtomicClock

This app displays the exact current time synchronized with NTP servers, offering a customizable clock view for precise time checks. It's ideal for setting watches, verifying timestamps, or comparing local and network time.

Highlights
  • Precise time from NTP servers
  • Customizable clock faces
  • Select or add time servers
  • Local and UTC views
  • 12/24 hour modes
  • Customizable time format
  • Acoustic ticking
Features
Read full description

Check precise NTP reference time at a glance. AtomicClock helps you set watches, wall clocks, cameras, and other devices, compare local time with UTC, and follow moments when every second matters. Clear analog and digital time AtomicClock displays current time from NTP servers that reference atomic clocks. Choose a predefined server or add your own, then view local or UTC time in a clean analog or digital clock. Customize your reference clock • Switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time • Customize the time format • Choose from multiple clock faces and hands • Use a smooth, fluid second hand • Add acoustic ticking or the Greenwich Time Signal • Tap the screen to hide information and controls, freeze the display, or mute ticking Details for precise time checks View technical NTP information, including round-trip time and server stratum. Whether you are checking a timestamp, preparing a camera, aligning a wall clock, or setting a watch by hand, the seconds remain clear and easy to follow. AtomicClock is free to use. AtomicClock Pro is available as a one-time purchase with no subscription. It unlocks your preferred clock face, hands, and font, removes ads, and includes upcoming Pro features. AtomicClock displays NTP reference time for comparison and does not change your device’s system time. Results can vary with the selected server, network conditions, and device behavior.

Screenshots

Dark Sky Meter4 screens
AtomicClock4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: AtomicClock at Free against Dark Sky Meter's $1.99. AtomicClock also leads on review sentiment (84% vs 40%) and rating (4.8 vs 3.8). Dark Sky Meter's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On device support and iOS requirement 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

AtomicClock is free to download; Dark Sky Meter costs $1.99 up front. AtomicClock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Dark Sky Meter asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

AtomicClock holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AtomicClock has 5.5K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Dark Sky Meter's written reviews are positive against 84% of AtomicClock's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Dark Sky Meter ships an update every 3 months, AtomicClock every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
Dark Sky Meter versus AtomicClock: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterDark Sky MeterAtomicClock
Price$1.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (6 ratings)4.8 (5.5K ratings) — better
Positive reviews40.4% of reviews84.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings65.5K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#183 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.615.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size4 MB17 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDDQTimo Partl

Customer experience

Dark Sky Meter

All ratings6 ratings
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%
Written reviews57 reviews
Positive40.4%
Neutral8.8%
Negative50.9%

AtomicClock

All ratings5,539 ratings
Positive96.5%
Neutral1.8%
Negative1.8%
Written reviews241 reviews
Positive84.2%
Neutral3.3%
Negative12.4%

Bugs and requests

Dark Sky Meter

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

AtomicClock

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes on certain iOS versions
  • Occasional freezing of hands
  • Countdown timer sound not working

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add GMT/dual time display
  • Implement widget support
  • Add different second hand sounds
  • Allow setting background color to match watch
  • Include alarm/timer functionality

In-app purchases

None

Dark Sky Meter

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

AtomicClock

One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro Version$6.99

Questions

Is Dark Sky Meter free?
Dark Sky Meter costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is AtomicClock free?
AtomicClock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Dark Sky Meter or AtomicClock?
AtomicClock is rated higher. Dark Sky Meter averages 3.8 out of 5 from 6 ratings, while AtomicClock averages 4.8 from 5.5K ratings.
Do Dark Sky Meter or AtomicClock have ads?
AtomicClock shows ads; Dark Sky Meter does not.
Which is updated more often, Dark Sky Meter or AtomicClock?
Dark Sky Meter ships an update every 3 months, and AtomicClock every 3 weeks. Most recently, Dark Sky Meter was updated on October 17, 2026 and AtomicClock on October 17, 2026.

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