Comparison

Astral Star vs The Net Project

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Astral Star

Features
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Astral Star is the companion app for the Light Mandalas Astral Star projector. Explore light symbols and choose colors and timing for creative sessions, reflective practice or time with friends. FREE FEATURES Project every library symbol, play all 42 basic programs, use Mandala Scan app features and save its results as playlists, and create and edit your own playlists from the symbol library. Set each step's color and time, reorder or rename playlists, and play them. Import symbols, libraries and playlists shared by others, and keep playing content you already have. Mandala Scan features in the app, including saving scan results as playlists, are free. A Mandala Scan device is required for scanning and must be purchased separately; it is not included with the app or Premium. OPTIONAL ASTRAL STAR PREMIUM Monthly and yearly subscriptions unlock the same seven features: • AI playlist assistant: describe what you need in an everyday message. Receive a 5–10 minute playlist with selected symbols, colors and timings; loop it for a longer session. Up to 20 completed AI playlists per day. • Draw and save your own symbols. • Customize library symbols. • Create and share your own symbol libraries. • Share your playlists with a share code or file. • Turn pictures into symbols with local picture tracing. • Add spin, zoom and movement to symbol playback. Premium subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled through your Apple account. The price and billing period are shown before purchase. Restore Purchases is available in the app. Existing lifetime activation-code access remains separate from subscriptions. Before using the AI assistant, you choose whether to share your request with Light Mandalas and its AI service provider. You can turn this permission off in Settings. See the Privacy Policy for details about data processing. A compatible Astral Star projector is required for physical light projection. Avoid direct laser exposure and follow the device's safety instructions. Astral Star is for creative and general wellbeing use and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://privacy.light-mandalas.com/mandalaastralstar/index.html

About

The Net Project

This app facilitates self-reflection and personal growth through guided prompts and well-being tracking. It encourages meaningful connections with others without social media pressures. Designed to help users find purpose and clarity in daily life.

Highlights
  • Daily reflection prompts
  • Well-being tracking dashboard
  • Share reflections with friends
  • Psychology and philosophy inspired content
  • Focus on meaning and purpose
Features
Read full description

The Net Project: Meaning, Connection, and Flourishing In a world filled with noise and distraction, The Net Project helps you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Built on years of research in meaning and well-being, The Net Project turns self-reflection into an engaging daily experience that supports your growth, connection, and purpose. Key Features • Daily Reflection Cards: Explore interactive prompts inspired by psychology and philosophy that help you understand yourself and your values. • Flourishing Check: Track your well-being over time with a simple dashboard that highlights patterns and personal growth. • Memories and Connections: Share meaningful reflections with trusted friends without likes, followers, or vanity metrics. • More on the way: New content, community features, and well-being tools are in active development. No matter where you are in your life, The Net Project helps you reflect with intention and carry that clarity into your actions, decisions, relationships, and more. To support our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, reach out at flourishing@netproject.org.

Screenshots

Astral Star4 screens
The Net Project4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Net Project at none against Astral Star's 2. The Net Project also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.5). Astral Star's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support 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. Astral Star sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $17.99 per month. The Net Project asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Astral Star ships an update every 3 weeks, The Net Project every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Astral Star versus The Net Project: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAstral StarThe Net Project
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.515.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size59 MB23 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLight Mandalas Company LimitedThe Net Project

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Astral Star

Subscriptions2
  • Premium Monthly$17.991 Month
  • Premium Yearly$179.991 Year
None

The Net Project

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Astral Star free?
Astral Star is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is The Net Project free?
The Net Project is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Astral Star or The Net Project have ads?
Neither Astral Star nor The Net Project shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Astral Star or The Net Project?
Astral Star ships an update every 3 weeks, and The Net Project every 2 months. Most recently, Astral Star was updated on November 12, 2026 and The Net Project on October 30, 2026.

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