# UV Index vs SPF

UV Index and SPF both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 76% of UV Index's written reviews are positive against 32% of SPF's. SPF's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and chart position (#56 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence 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 SPF sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for UV Index against 4.6 for SPF. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.1K and 5K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 76% of UV Index's written reviews are positive against 32% of SPF's.

UV Index ships an update every 5 days, SPF weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | UV Index | SPF |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uv-index-sunwise/id6449424793/reviews) | **[4.6 (5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spf-tan-timer-and-uv-tracker/id6744385703/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **5K** |
| Positive reviews | **75.9% of reviews** | 31.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#56** |
| Size | 87 MB | 212 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.6** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Alcaeus Development AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1638202818) | [BluPalms](https://appshunter.io/developer/1699380087) |

## 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


### SPF

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spf-tan-timer-and-uv-tracker/id6744385703)

**Currently charting:** #56 Top Grossing · Weather (US App Store)

This app helps you achieve a faster and safer tan by tracking UV levels, providing personalized routines, and reminding you to reapply sunscreen. Monitor your progress and avoid burns with a structured approach to sun exposure.

**Highlights:** Real-time UV level checks, Customized tanning routines, Daily SPF and skincare plan, Sunscreen reapplication alerts, Tan progress tracking, Quick tan timer

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SPF: Weekly Offer Plan | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Offer Plan | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plan | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| weekly5.99 | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| SPF: Yearly Offer Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| SPF: Yearly Offer Plan | $47.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy to use
- 👍 Helpful tanning routine
- 🚀 Efficient tanning process
- 💡 Free version available
- 👍 Tracks tanning progress

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or glitches

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with older devices

**Requested features**

- Advanced tanning analytics
- Customizable tanning plans


## Frequently asked questions

### Is UV Index free?

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

### Is SPF free?

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

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

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

### Do UV Index or SPF have ads?

UV Index shows ads; SPF does not.

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

UV Index ships an update every 5 days, and SPF weekly. Most recently, UV Index was updated on November 12, 2026 and SPF 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.*