# Aurora Compass vs Aurora Map

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aurora Compass | Aurora Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-compass/id6446504259/reviews) | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-map-aurora-all/id6737059585/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Size | 67 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Otto Ranta-Ojala](https://appshunter.io/developer/1678149884) | [雪平 王](https://appshunter.io/developer/1045915049) |

## What reviewers say

### Aurora Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-compass/id6446504259)

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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pastel Color Palette | $1.99 | one-time |
| Black and White Palette | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pink Color Palette | $1.99 | one-time |
| Purple Color Palette | $1.99 | one-time |
| IBM Color Palette | $1.99 | one-time |
| Mint Color Palette | $4.99 | one-time |
| Gold Color Palette | $9.99 | one-time |
| Diamond Color Palette | $29.99 | one-time |


### Aurora Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-map-aurora-all/id6737059585)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Pro | $1.99 | per month |
| Annual Pro | $11.99 | per year |
| Lifetime Pro | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*