# StarCat vs CalMatters

The clearest difference is price: CalMatters at Free against StarCat's $1.99. CalMatters also leads on rating (5.0 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (18 vs 1). StarCat's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On ads, in-app purchases, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

CalMatters is free to download; StarCat costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

CalMatters holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CalMatters has 18 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

StarCat ships an update every 5 weeks, CalMatters fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarCat | CalMatters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starcat-launch-tracker/id6469060028/reviews) | **[5.0 (18 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmatters/id6475375084/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **18** |
| Positive reviews | — | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | **#110** | #209 |
| Size | 52 MB | 53 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Hubert Jozwiak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526690991) | [CalMatters](https://appshunter.io/developer/1724098439) |

## What reviewers say

### StarCat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starcat-launch-tracker/id6469060028)

**Currently charting:** #110 Top Paid · News (US App Store)

Stay updated on global rocket launches with real-time information and detailed mission specifics. Receive launch reminders and access a dedicated news section for spaceflight updates. Features Dynamic Island integration for live tracking.

**Highlights:** Live Activity tracking on Dynamic Island, Detailed mission information, Launch reminders and notifications, Spaceflight news section, Starship development updates, Reusable rocket landing info

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### CalMatters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calmatters/id6475375084)

**Currently charting:** #209 Top Free · Magazines & Newspapers (US App Store)

Access in-depth, nonpartisan news and analysis focused on California's quality of life issues. Hold leaders accountable with investigative journalism covering the Golden State and its global economic impact.

**Highlights:** In-depth news analysis, Focus on quality of life issues, Investigative journalism, Accountability reporting, Covers California and its economy

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarCat free?

StarCat costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CalMatters free?

CalMatters is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, StarCat or CalMatters?

CalMatters is rated higher. StarCat averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while CalMatters averages 5.0 from 18 ratings.

### Do StarCat or CalMatters have ads?

Neither StarCat nor CalMatters shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarCat or CalMatters?

StarCat ships an update every 5 weeks, and CalMatters fortnightly. Most recently, StarCat was updated on October 2, 2026 and CalMatters on October 12, 2026.

### Which is more popular, StarCat or CalMatters?

StarCat currently peaks at #110 in the App Store charts, and CalMatters at #209. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*