Comparison

Aurora Forecast vs Aurora Scanner

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 forecasts and smart alerts. Get detailed information on aurora activity, KP index, and visibility for your location, helping you plan the perfect viewing experience.

Highlights
  • Real-time aurora forecasts
  • Location-based predictions
  • KP index and cloud cover data
  • Customizable aurora alerts
  • Global aurora map
  • Aurora viewing tips
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Spot Northern Lights easily with Aurora Forecast App. This app gives you everything you need to know. When, where, and how likely you are to see the aurora, wherever you are in the world. Whether you’re chasing the aurora in Iceland, hoping for a rare display in your hometown, or planning a photography trip to the Arctic Circle, this app keeps you fully prepared with accurate, real-time forecasts and smart alerts. - Real-time aurora forecasts tailored to your location - Live KP index, cloud cover, and visibility data - Solar wind stats ands more - Customizable alerts when aurora activity is expected near you - Forecasts for the future - Global aurora map - Aurora viewing tips and best current locations - Simple, sleek design Built for travelers, photographers, and anyone who doesn’t want to miss the next aurora, this app helps you stay one step ahead and catch the magic when it happens. Privacy Policy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CYJ_YEK2fZHzfMJntkommHBqIdkYoGnQ2lnCUt52C88/ Terms of Use: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MvMhZJsr14RA3JatJtIHj-GpTCITxJ1a7NMfelop3wk/

About

Aurora Scanner

Features
Read full description

Aurora Scanner helps you decide when and where to look for the northern lights. It combines current space-weather data with hourly cloud cover and darkness for your destination, then explains what is helping or limiting your chance. PLAN TONIGHT See a clear verdict, the main limiting factor, and the strongest viewing window. Cloud, darkness, moonlight, and aurora activity stay separate so a cloudy sky is never confused with being outside the aurora zone. WATCH THE OVAL LIVE View the latest NOAA OVATION aurora image directly on Tonight, alongside live solar imagery. Every image identifies its source and update age, and opens for closer inspection. CHECK THE MAP BY HOUR Open the full map from Tonight and move through the forecast hour by hour. Compare the aurora model and regional cloud estimate at the time you plan to go outside. PLAN A SHORT STAY Choose your travel dates, save reachable viewing places, compare their conditions, or put a pin on the exact location you want to check. UNDERSTAND THE FORECAST Explore Kp, solar wind, Bz, hemispheric power, twilight, and moon conditions when you want more detail. Freshness labels distinguish current, delayed, estimated, and outlook data. Aurora forecasts are estimates, not promises. Always check local weather, access, road, and safety conditions before travelling. Data sources include NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center, GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, and Apple Weather. Terms of Use: https://tryaurorascanner.com/en-US/terms/ Apple Standard EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Aurora Forecast4 screens
Aurora Scanner4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Aurora Scanner at every 2 days against Aurora Forecast's monthly. Aurora Forecast's advantage is chart position (#114 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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. Aurora Forecast sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days and Aurora Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Aurora Forecast ships an update monthly, Aurora Scanner every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 9 level
Aurora Forecast versus Aurora Scanner: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAurora ForecastAurora Scanner
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.6 (164 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings164 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#114 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB31 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAppelioNetkreatives bv

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Aurora Forecast

Subscriptions5
  • Aurora Weekly$4.997 Days
  • Aurora Weekly Free Trial7 Days trial2 variants$9.997 Days
  • Aurora Yearly Free Trial3 Days trial$29.991 Year
Show 2 more
  • Aurora Yearly Free Trial7 Days trial$29.991 Year
  • Aurora Forecast Yearly$49.991 Year
One-time1
  • Northern Lights Tracker$19.99
3 purchases

Aurora Scanner

Subscriptions3
  • Aurora Scanner — Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Aurora Scanner — Yearly3 Days trial$8.991 Year
  • Aurora Scanner — Yearly3 Days trial$14.991 Year

Questions

Is Aurora Forecast free?
Aurora Forecast is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Aurora Scanner free?
Aurora Scanner is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Aurora Forecast or Aurora Scanner have ads?
Neither Aurora Forecast nor Aurora Scanner shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Aurora Forecast or Aurora Scanner?
Aurora Forecast ships an update monthly, and Aurora Scanner every 2 days. Most recently, Aurora Forecast was updated on October 30, 2026 and Aurora Scanner on October 31, 2026.

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