Comparison

Aurora Compass vs Aurora Map

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

Head to head
About

Aurora Compass

This app provides aurora forecasts and alerts, helping users find the best conditions to see the northern or southern lights. It offers detailed space weather data, real-time geomagnetic activity, and a cloudiness filter for accurate predictions.

Highlights
  • Aurora alert notifications
  • Geomagnetic activity tracking
  • Aurora forecast map
  • Real-time aurora probability
  • Solar image animation
  • Cloudiness forecast
  • Darkness tool
Features
Read full description

Aurora Compass is a free aurora and space weather forecast app with no ads or paywalls. With it, you'll get all the data you need to catch the northern or southern lights in a layout that’s simple for beginners, yet detailed for experienced aurora chasers. The main features include: • Aurora alert notifications with cloudiness filter • Near real-time geomagnetic activity from over 110 magnetometers • Aurora forecast map with observation sharing tool • Current and forecasted aurora probability in your location • Solar image animation with x-ray chart and solar regions • WSA-Enlil solar wind forecast animation • Darkness tool to see when it'll be dark • Moon rise, set and phase information • Cloudiness forecast • Solar wind charts • Kp forecasts • Color theme for people with red-green colorblindness

About

Aurora Map

This app provides comprehensive aurora forecasts by considering cloud cover, light pollution, and solar activity. It offers layered maps, real-time solar data, and detailed hourly and long-term predictions to help you find the best viewing conditions.

Highlights
  • Layered aurora probability maps
  • Real-time solar wind and flare data
  • Hourly and 27-day Kp index outlook
  • North America aurora forecast maps
  • Integrated weather forecasts
  • Pro features for horizon visibility and CMEs
Features
Read full description

Observing auroras requires not only paying attention to the probability. Cloud cover, light pollution, sun height, moon height can also affect the visibility of auroras. The Aurora Map App fully considers the impact of these factors in the map and forecast part, making it a comprehensive aurora forecast assistant. The aurora map is divided into the following five parts: I、 Map: 1. Use four layers on the map to view the probability of auroras. The four layers are aurora, solar altitude, light pollution, and cloud coverage 2. Move the map to view the probability of auroras appearing above and on the horizon in various places II、 Nowcast 1. X-rays and solar flares 2. Proton flux 3. Solar wind 4. Aurora minute forecast III、 Forecast 1. Hourly Kp index and weather forecast 2. 27 day Kp index outlook IV、 Image 1. Aurora forecast map for North America tonight and tomorrow night 2. Real time image of the sun V、 Setting 【 Pro 】 1. Cloud overlay layer 2. Check the probability of auroras at the horizon of 100-1000km 3. Coronal Mass Ejections 4. 72 hour weather forecast combined with Kp index, daily and monthly forecast 5. widget available Purchase rules: [Monthly Pro]: Purchase monthly membership for $1.99 per month, with automatic monthly renewal. [Annual Pro] Purchase an annual membership for $12.99 and renew automatically each year. [Lifetime Pro] $29.99 Purchase once for lifetime use. Purchase Notice: 1. The account will be automatically renewed and corresponding fees will be deducted one day before expiration. 2. If you need to cancel the renewal, please cancel it in your personal App Store account at least 1 day in advance. 3. After purchase, users can manage or disable automatic renewal in their personal account settings. Terms of Service : https://www.astronomyobserver.net/h5/auroramap/user Privacy Policy: https://www.astronomyobserver.net/h5/auroramap/privacy

Screenshots

Aurora Compass4 screens
Aurora Map4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is monetization model: Aurora Compass at free against Aurora Map's freemium. Aurora Map's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 weeks). On price, ratings volume, ads 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. Aurora Compass sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and Aurora Map sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Aurora Map holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 8 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora Compass ships an update every 5 weeks, Aurora Map every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Aurora Compass versus Aurora Map: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora CompassAurora Map
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (9 ratings)5.0 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings9 — better8
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size67 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperOtto Ranta-Ojala雪平 王

Customer experience

Aurora Compass

All ratings9 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral11.1%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative16.7%

Aurora Map

All ratings8 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

8 purchases

Aurora Compass

One-time8
  • Pastel Color Palette$1.99
  • Black and White Palette$1.99
  • Pink Color Palette$1.99
Show 5 more
  • Purple Color Palette$1.99
  • IBM Color Palette$1.99
  • Mint Color Palette$4.99
  • Gold Color Palette$9.99
  • Diamond Color Palette$29.99
3 purchases

Aurora Map

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Pro$1.991 Month
  • Annual Pro$11.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Pro$29.99

Questions

Is Aurora Compass free?
Aurora Compass is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aurora Map free?
Aurora Map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Aurora Compass or Aurora Map?
Aurora Map is rated higher. Aurora Compass averages 4.8 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while Aurora Map averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.
Do Aurora Compass or Aurora Map have ads?
Neither Aurora Compass nor Aurora Map shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Aurora Compass or Aurora Map?
Aurora Compass ships an update every 5 weeks, and Aurora Map every 3 weeks. Most recently, Aurora Compass was updated on October 15, 2026 and Aurora Map on October 18, 2026.

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