Comparison

Aurora Forecast 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 Forecast

Track the Northern Lights with real-time predictions and detailed aurora information. This user-friendly application provides accurate forecasts based on advanced satellite data, making it ideal for aurora enthusiasts and photographers.

Highlights
  • Real-time aurora predictions
  • Advanced satellite data
  • User-friendly design
  • Reliable forecasts
  • No advertisements
  • No subscriptions
Features
Read full description

Are you captivated by the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights? Do you dream of witnessing the ethereal beauty of the auroras? Introducing MLB Aurora Forecast, your ultimate companion for experiencing the majesty of the night sky. Real-Time Forecasts: Get up-to-the-minute aurora predictions based on advanced satellite data. Accuracy: Our app uses the latest technology to ensure you never miss a moment of auroral activity. User-Friendly: Intuitive design and easy-to-use features make aurora chasing accessible for everyone. Reliability: Trusted by aurora hunters and photographers around the globe. No advertisements, no subscriptions

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 Forecast4 screens
Aurora Map4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Aurora Map at 5.0 against Aurora Forecast's 4.6. Aurora Forecast's advantage is monetization model (free vs freemium) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 3 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 Forecast sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 8 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora Forecast ships an update every 5 days, Aurora Map every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Aurora Forecast versus Aurora Map: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora ForecastAurora Map
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (10 ratings)5.0 (8 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews
Number of ratings10 — better8
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterFreemium
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.616.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size30 MB12 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperKurian Onnunny Samuel雪平 王

Customer experience

Aurora Forecast

All ratings10 ratings
Positive90.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative10.0%
Written reviews3 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

Aurora Map

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

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Aurora Forecast

One-time1
  • Buy Me Coffee ?$2.99
3 purchases

Aurora Map

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

Questions

Is Aurora Forecast free?
Aurora Forecast 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 Forecast or Aurora Map?
Aurora Map is rated higher. Aurora Forecast averages 4.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Aurora Map averages 5.0 from 8 ratings.
Do Aurora Forecast or Aurora Map have ads?
Neither Aurora Forecast nor Aurora Map shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Aurora Forecast or Aurora Map?
Aurora Forecast ships an update every 5 days, and Aurora Map every 3 weeks. Most recently, Aurora Forecast was updated on September 24, 2026 and Aurora Map on September 14, 2026.

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