# PULSAR vs Next Eclipse

The clearest difference is ads: Next Eclipse at none against PULSAR's shown. On price, review sentiment, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PULSAR sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Next Eclipse sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PULSAR ships an update every 2 weeks, Next Eclipse every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PULSAR | Next Eclipse |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | **73.9% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 115 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pulsar Space Intelligence SAS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895924858) | [Daniel Miara](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871192988) |

## What reviewers say

### PULSAR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pulsar-aurores-boreales/id6764820203)

This app helps you find and track the Northern Lights. It provides forecasts, real-time alerts, and guides you to the best viewing spots with detailed weather and light pollution data. Plan your trips and capture stunning photos of the aurora.

**Highlights:** Aurora forecasts up to 6 days ahead, Real-time alerts for probable auroras, Light pollution map and dark sky spots, Interactive 3D aurora oval globe, Travel planner for aurora destinations, Photography tips and observation windows, Community forum and observation sharing

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pulsar Premium - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Lifetime Premium | $149.99 | one-time |


### Next Eclipse

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/next-eclipse-solar-guide/id6784718501)

Prepare for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Get local visibility, countdowns, and weather estimates to plan your viewing experience. Optional premium features offer advanced planning tools and reminders.

**Highlights:** Countdown to solar eclipse, Local visibility overview, Eclipse type and obscuration estimate, Maximum eclipse time, Viewing chance estimate, Cloud cover and rain chance guidance, Basic solar viewing safety

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium 2026 Lifetime | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PULSAR free?

PULSAR is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Next Eclipse free?

Next Eclipse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do PULSAR or Next Eclipse have ads?

PULSAR shows ads; Next Eclipse does not.

### Which is updated more often, PULSAR or Next Eclipse?

PULSAR ships an update every 2 weeks, and Next Eclipse every 11 days. Most recently, PULSAR was updated on October 24, 2026 and Next Eclipse on October 7, 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.*