Comparison

AstroFITS vs Nebulis

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

Head to head
About

AstroFITS

This app allows users to quickly open and view FITS files on iOS devices using GPU acceleration. It features automatic image stretching and supports various color formats and bit depths, making astronomical image analysis more accessible.

Highlights
  • Open FITS files quickly on iOS
  • GPU accelerated image processing
  • Automatic image stretching
  • Supports RGB and gray color
  • Handles multiple BITPIX formats
  • Save adjusted images to Photos
Features
Read full description

A simple app to open FITS file in iOS quickly using GPU. It has an auto-stretch feature. And works on FITS file with RGB or gray color. It handles BITPIX of 8,16,32,-32 and -64. It is designed and tested for Seetar FITS file. It takes about 2 seconds to open and automatically stretch a 50mb FITS file. Sample links are provided below. Enjoy! Use: 1. Download your FITS file to your phone File directory. 2. Tap Image icon on the first top left. 3. Select your FITS file. 4. It will auto stretch. 5. Adjust the image level. 6. Adjust the image curve. 7. Tap the second top icon to save image to Photo. If you encounter an issue, please email to ustrainsit74@gmail.com with your FITS file as attachment. Sample: Below are some FITS files for download. - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Li8f1QH1u1R6U8RKZZ0kwW9LZ4cHCaXz/view?usp=share_link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MVuW1oa7qAjbfdl_iGUI-q7knE2ij67v/view?usp=share_link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TE70gdDK3XmLx9-iB43I-uh6INq8FCaO/view?usp=share_link Privacy policy and term of use (EULA) is at https://deepskycolor.blogspot.com/2018/12/privacy-policy-for-deep-sky-color-app.html

About

Nebulis

Features
Read full description

Nebulis is the companion app for your Nebulis astrophotography server. Browse your entire deep-sky image library from your iPhone or iPad, plan your next observation session, and dive deep into the objects you've captured. Your Library, Your Way Browse hundreds of images organized by object, date, and type. Filter by galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters. Mark favorites, swipe through full-screen previews with pinch-to-zoom, and edit your captures right on your device. Plan Your Next Session The built-in planner shows you what's worth imaging tonight based on your location — with altitude charts, object details, and a curated "best tonight" list so you spend less time planning and more time imaging. Sky Forecast Check local sky conditions before you haul out the gear. Seeing and transparency forecasts help you decide if it's worth setting up. Explore Without a Server New to Nebulis? Browse a curated sample gallery of deep-sky objects to see what the app can do before connecting your own library. Privacy First Nebulis connects directly to your own server on your local network. Requires a Nebulis server (free) running on your local network or accessible via your home connection. Get Nebulis here -> https://nebulis.app

Screenshots

AstroFITS3 screens
Nebulis4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: AstroFITS at Free against Nebulis's $4.99. Nebulis's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs monthly). On ads, device support and iOS requirement 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

AstroFITS is free to download; Nebulis costs $4.99 up front. AstroFITS sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per year. Nebulis asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AstroFITS ships an update monthly, Nebulis every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
AstroFITS versus Nebulis: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAstroFITSNebulis
PriceFree — better$4.99
Rating2.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthlyEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Apple TV — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size61 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developeryong chong lohBrentley Catoe

In-app purchases

1 purchases

AstroFITS

Subscriptions1
  • Yearly Subscription$0.991 Year
None

Nebulis

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is AstroFITS free?
AstroFITS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Nebulis free?
Nebulis costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do AstroFITS or Nebulis have ads?
Neither AstroFITS nor Nebulis shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AstroFITS or Nebulis?
AstroFITS ships an update monthly, and Nebulis every 2 weeks. Most recently, AstroFITS was updated on October 8, 2026 and Nebulis on October 17, 2026.

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