# 3D Star Map vs First Light

The clearest difference is rating: First Light at 5.0 against 3D Star Map's 4.4. 3D Star Map's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and ratings volume (9 vs 3). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

First Light holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9 and 3 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

3D Star Map ships an update every 2 weeks, First Light every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3D Star Map | First Light |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-star-map/id6758356924/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-light-cosmic-viewer/id6780022564/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **9** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 100 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Winn](https://appshunter.io/developer/652547902) | [Thomas Sola](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780022566) |

## What reviewers say

### 3D Star Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d-star-map/id6758356924)

Explore over 700 stars in our local star cluster in a 3D space simulation. Zoom, rotate, and learn about neighboring star systems with detailed information available on tap. Perfect for research or satisfying cosmic curiosity.

**Highlights:** 3D space exploration, Over 700 local stars, Detailed star information, Zoom, rotate, and move, Relaxing animations, Educational content

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### First Light

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/first-light-cosmic-viewer/id6780022564)

Explore the universe's earliest light with real cosmic microwave background data. Pan across the oldest light in the universe, switch between satellites, and observe shifts in frequency bands. This educational app brings real science and cosmic history to your mobile device.

**Highlights:** Explore cosmic microwave background data, Immersive sky exploration via phone movement, Switch between COBE, WMAP, and Planck satellites, Adjust frequency bands to see universe shifts, Utilizes real scientific data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3D Star Map free?

3D Star Map is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is First Light free?

First Light is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, 3D Star Map or First Light?

First Light is rated higher. 3D Star Map averages 4.4 out of 5 from 9 ratings, while First Light averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do 3D Star Map or First Light have ads?

Neither 3D Star Map nor First Light shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, 3D Star Map or First Light?

3D Star Map ships an update every 2 weeks, and First Light every 3 weeks. Most recently, 3D Star Map was updated on October 2, 2026 and First Light on October 15, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*