Aurora Watcher vs Aurora Scanner
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
Aurora Scanner
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Aurora Scanner at every 2 days against Aurora Watcher's fortnightly. 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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Aurora Watcher ships an update fortnightly, Aurora Scanner every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 12, 2026.
| Parameter | Aurora Watcher | Aurora Scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Every 2 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 33 MB | 31 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Auraxis Technologies Inc. | Netkreatives bv |
In-app purchases
Aurora Watcher
No in-app purchases
Aurora Scanner
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Aurora Watcher free?
Is Aurora Scanner free?
Do Aurora Watcher or Aurora Scanner have ads?
Which is updated more often, Aurora Watcher or Aurora Scanner?
Other comparisons
