Aurora Map vs Aurora Watcher
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- 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
Read full descriptionHide 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
Aurora Watcher
This app helps you find and track the Northern Lights in Canada. It provides real-time aurora observability, forecasts for cities, and global geomagnetic activity. An interactive map shows the best viewing locations worldwide.
- Real-time aurora observability
- City-specific aurora forecasts
- Global geomagnetic activity tracking
- Detailed sky and weather conditions
- Interactive viewing location map
Read full descriptionHide full description
Aurora Watcher is your all-in-one guide for chasing the Northern Lights in Canada. Check real-time aurora observability and forecast for individual cities, track global geomagnetic activity, and explore detailed sky and weather conditions. Use the interactive map to instantly find the best viewing locations near you — or anywhere in the world. Whether you're an enthusiast, a traveller, or a seasoned aurora hunter, Aurora Watcher keeps you one step ahead of the sky.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Aurora Watcher at none against Aurora Map's 3. On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. Aurora Map sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Aurora Watcher asks for nothing beyond the download.
Aurora Map ships an update every 3 weeks, Aurora Watcher fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Aurora Map | Aurora Watcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (8 ratings) — better | — |
| Number of ratings | 8 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 12 MB | 33 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | 雪平 王 | Auraxis Technologies Inc. |
In-app purchases
Aurora Map
- Monthly Pro$1.991 Month
- Annual Pro$11.991 Year
- Lifetime Pro$29.99
Aurora Watcher
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Aurora Map free?
Is Aurora Watcher free?
Do Aurora Map or Aurora Watcher have ads?
Which is updated more often, Aurora Map or Aurora Watcher?
Other comparisons















