Comparison

MoonScope vs Moon Phases

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

Head to head
About

MoonScope

Features
Read full description

Typically, a lunar calendar shows the phases of the moon at noon on that day, as viewed from the center of the Earth. As a result, the moon phase calendar does not usually take into account the observer's location or the time of observation, and it is normal for the moon's appearance in the sky to not match the actual moon phase in the sky. MoonWatch is an app whose primary goal is to recreate the moon as it actually appears in the sky when you look up at it. That means it accurately recreates the sky conditions (sunrise, sunset, tri-light) at that location and time, the phases of the moon, moonrise, moonset, and the angle of the moon as it changes over time in 3D space. This means that the moon on the screen will match the actual moon in the sky, which you can easily find by using the tracking function to adjust the angle of your iPhone or iPad. With a premium subscription, you can also easily find the moon's appearance in places other than your current location. Normally, the lunar calendar shows the phases of the moon at noon on that day, but you can also freely change the time to obtain the lunar phase. Enjoy this simple yet highly functional lunar calendar that flexibly responds to a variety of needs by accurately recreating the solar system in 3D space.

About

Moon Phases

Features
Read full description

Your pocket observatory for tonight's Moon. See the phase, plan a moonrise, follow the Sun and Moon across the sky, and discover the stories behind familiar full moon names. Designed for iPhone and iPad, with a silver-and-brass palette, original illustrations, and light and dark appearances. FOLLOW TONIGHT'S SKY See the Moon's phase, illumination, age, and distance with NASA lunar imagery. Check local moonrise, transit, and moonset times, plus sunrise and sunset. Explore today's interactive Sun/Moon horizon chart to compare their altitude through the day. PLAN YOUR NEXT LOOK UP Count down to the next full moon and new moon, and check upcoming solar and lunar eclipse dates. Use the Moon compass, save cities, and view current weather when available. Optional moonrise, full moon eve, new moon eve, and eclipse reminders are free. READ THE MOON'S STORIES Explore twelve illustrated stories about familiar moon names, from Wolf Moon to Cold Moon. Read the month's featured story free; Pro opens the complete collection. Each story includes sources for further reading. MAKE IT YOUR OWN WITH PRO One purchase unlocks Pro, with no subscription: • Remove ads • Read all twelve Moon Stories • Browse the seven-day phase forecast • Explore full monthly and annual lunar calendars, with Sun/Moon charts in day details • Add Home Screen and Lock Screen moon widgets • Use photography planning and golden- and blue-hour times • Choose moon colours and imagery • Display alternative calendars alongside the Gregorian calendar The free experience includes tonight's Moon, today's horizon chart, the featured story, a calendar preview, eclipse dates, saved cities, and reminders. Moon and Sun calculations run on your device. Weather and city search require an internet connection. The free version contains ads. Terms of Use: https://www.cong-le.com/terms.html Privacy Policy: https://www.cong-le.com/privacy.html

Screenshots

MoonScope4 screens
Moon Phases4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: MoonScope at monthly against Moon Phases's every 2 months. MoonScope also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. MoonScope sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Moon Phases sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MoonScope ships an update monthly, Moon Phases every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 4 level
MoonScope versus Moon Phases: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMoonScopeMoon Phases
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 2 months
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size161 MB34 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHajime SuzukiCong Le

In-app purchases

1 purchases

MoonScope

One-time1
  • No Ads$4.99
1 purchases

Moon Phases

One-time1
  • Moon Phases Pro$2.99

Questions

Is MoonScope free?
MoonScope is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Moon Phases free?
Moon Phases is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do MoonScope or Moon Phases have ads?
Both MoonScope and Moon Phases show ads.
Which is updated more often, MoonScope or Moon Phases?
MoonScope ships an update monthly, and Moon Phases every 2 months. Most recently, MoonScope was updated on September 20, 2026 and Moon Phases on September 18, 2026.

Other comparisons