Comparison

MagmaSync vs VolcanoNow

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

Head to head
About

MagmaSync

Get real-time updates on Kilauea volcano activity, including eruption status, forecasts, and observatory messages. View live camera feeds, ground deformation data, and summit weather. Features AI-powered summaries and multi-language translation.

Highlights
  • Real-time alert level and color code
  • Official observatory messages
  • Eruption status tracking
  • AI-powered eruption forecasts
  • Push notifications for alerts
  • Live volcano camera feeds
  • Ground deformation plots
  • Summit weather conditions
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

Stay connected to Kilauea - one of the world's most active volcanoes - with real-time data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). MagmaSync delivers live volcano monitoring data, eruption forecasts, and observatory messages straight to your iPhone. Whether you're a resident of Hawaii, a traveler, a geology enthusiast, or a researcher, MagmaSync keeps you informed with the latest from the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO). REAL-TIME MONITORING - View the current alert level and aviation color code at a glance - Read official observatory messages as they're published by USGS/HVO - Track eruption status - erupting, fountaining, overflowing, or paused USGS POWERED ERUPTION FORECASTS - Get USGS predicted eruption forecast windows PUSH NOTIFICATIONS - Receive instant alerts when the volcano's alert level or aviation color code changes - Get notified when new observatory messages are published - Stay ahead with time-sensitive eruption forecast window updates LIVE CAMERAS - Watch Kīlauea live from multiple USGS/HVO volcano cameras - See eruption activity, lava flows, and summit views in real time - Switch between camera angles without leaving the app GROUND DEFORMATION - View USGS electronic tilt plots for the summit and East Rift Zone - Track how the volcano is inflating or deflating over 2 days, a week, a month, or 3 months - Pinch or double-tap to zoom in on the plots for a closer look - Built-in guide explains how to read the charts WEATHER AT THE SUMMIT - Check current conditions at Kīlauea powered by Apple WeatherKit - Hourly forecast, 10-day outlook, UV index, and rain probability - Sunrise and sunset times, visibility, and active weather alerts MULTI-LANGUAGE TRANSLATION - Translate observatory messages into dozens of languages - Powered by Apple's on-device Translation framework — works offline - Enable auto-translate for seamless reading in your preferred language AI-GENERATED SUMMARIES - Get concise, easy-to-understand summaries of lengthy observatory messages - Powered by Apple Intelligence — processed entirely on your device - Choose your preferred summary language DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE - Clean, intuitive interface with beautiful dynamic visuals - Dark mode and light mode support with customizable appearance - No account or login required — just open and explore - Completely free with no in-app purchases or ads DISCLAIMER & LEGAL MagmaSync is an independent, third-party app. It is NOT an official product of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO), or any government agency. MagmaSync is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the USGS or any federal, state, or local government entity. All volcano monitoring data displayed in the app originates from publicly available USGS sources. While we strive to deliver accurate and timely information, MagmaSync does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any data or notifications. MagmaSync is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for official emergency alerts or safety guidance. Notifications may experience network or processing delays. AI-generated translations and summaries may be inaccurate or incomplete. For real-time safety updates and emergency instructions, always consult official local government authorities. By using MagmaSync, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, available at https://magmasync.web.app.

About

VolcanoNow

Features
Read full description

VolcanoNow, designed and optimized for iPhone, delivers near real-time eruption alerts and monitoring for Kīlauea volcano, Hawaii. Get the latest USGS daily updates, eruption rates, and instant notifications via SMS and email so you never miss an alert when it matters most. Features: • Live USGS volcano alert feeds • Instant SMS and email notifications • Multi-day alert planning • Eruption probability indicator Stay informed, stay safe.

Screenshots

MagmaSync4 screens
VolcanoNow3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is chart position: MagmaSync at #118 against VolcanoNow's unranked. MagmaSync also leads on device support (3 vs 1). VolcanoNow's advantage is iOS requirement (18.4 vs 26.0). On price, ads and in-app purchases 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard3 real differences · 8 level
MagmaSync versus VolcanoNow: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMagmaSyncVolcanoNow
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.9 (220 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews88.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings220 — better—
Update frequencyWeekly—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#118 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — betteriPhone
Requires iOS26.018.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size34 MB3 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperShuangquan LiYUANJIE LI

In-app purchases

None

MagmaSync

No in-app purchases

None

VolcanoNow

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MagmaSync free?
MagmaSync is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is VolcanoNow free?
VolcanoNow is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MagmaSync or VolcanoNow have ads?
Neither MagmaSync nor VolcanoNow shows ads.

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