# UV Index vs SunkissTimer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: UV Index at 76% against SunkissTimer's 52%. UV Index also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (1.1K vs 75). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. UV Index sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per 7 days and SunkissTimer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UV Index holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: UV Index has 1.1K ratings behind it against 75, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of UV Index's written reviews are positive against 52% of SunkissTimer's.

UV Index ships an update every 5 days, SunkissTimer every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | UV Index | SunkissTimer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uv-index-sunwise/id6449424793/reviews)** | [4.3 (75 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunkisstimerai-taning-routine/id6739029318/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 75 |
| Positive reviews | **75.9% of reviews** | 51.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 87 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alcaeus Development AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1638202818) | [XIANG GANG HARMONY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1777199672) |

## What reviewers say

### UV Index

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uv-index-sunwise/id6449424793)

Track real-time UV levels and plan your sun exposure safely. Get personalized tips, check forecasts, and estimate your safe sun time. Stay informed and protected from harmful UV rays.

**Highlights:** Real-time UV Index, 10-Day UV Forecast, Global UV Search, Sunburn Timer, Skin Type Recommendations, Widgets

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| UV Index Pro Weekly | $1.99 | per 7 days |
| UV Index Pro Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| SunWise Pro - Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| SunWise Pro - Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| UV Index Pro Weekly | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| SunWise Pro - Yearly | $19.99 | per year |
| SunWise Pro - Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| UV Index Pro Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| UV Index Pro Yearly | $29.99 | per year |
| UV Index Pro Yearly | $39.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Reliable for tanning
- 📊 Tracks weather and UV exposure
- 💡 Personalized tanning tips
- 🔍 Accurate UV index

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Many features require paid subscription
- 🔒 Limited access to full functionality without paying

**Reported bugs**

- App sometimes doesn't work as expected
- Buttons and features not always responsive

**Requested features**

- Add hourly UV exposure indicators
- Include more features in free version
- Improve widget functionality


### SunkissTimer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sunkisstimerai-taning-routine/id6739029318)

This app helps you safely enjoy sun exposure with personalized plans and real-time UV data. It analyzes your skin type to provide tailored recommendations and uses a timer to prevent overexposure, promoting healthy Vitamin D levels and a radiant glow.

**Highlights:** Personalized sun exposure plans, Real-time UV and temperature data, Intuitive sun exposure timer, Skin type analysis, Vitamin D level tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sunkiss Plus | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Year PRO | $14.99 | per year |
| year plan | $29.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 😍 Amazing app
- ☀️ Great for tanning
- 👍 Helps track tan
- 😊 Safe tanning advice
- 💡 Calculates sun time

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Pay to use features
- 😠 Too many ads
- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🤔 Unclear pricing
- 🚫 Can't see routine without pay

**Reported bugs**

- Camera not ready error
- App crashes when starting goals
- App crashes when adding location
- App won't load
- Kicks user off after skin type selection

**Requested features**

- Allow free access to routines
- Mention subscription costs in description
- Improve camera functionality
- Fix scrolling issue for 'ok' button
- Add Celsius/Fahrenheit option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UV Index free?

UV Index is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SunkissTimer free?

SunkissTimer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, UV Index or SunkissTimer?

UV Index is rated higher. UV Index averages 4.6 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while SunkissTimer averages 4.3 from 75 ratings.

### Do UV Index or SunkissTimer have ads?

Both UV Index and SunkissTimer show ads.

### Which is updated more often, UV Index or SunkissTimer?

UV Index ships an update every 5 days, and SunkissTimer every 10 days. Most recently, UV Index was updated on November 7, 2026 and SunkissTimer on November 8, 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.*