Comparison

MLAstro Hub vs Askar Astro Controller

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

Head to head
About

MLAstro Hub

Control your OnStep telescope mount wirelessly from your phone. Manage mount status, navigate celestial catalogs, and perform alignment and configuration tasks without a laptop.

Highlights
  • Live mount status monitoring
  • Directional control with adjustable slew rates
  • One-tap home and park functionality
  • Access to celestial object catalogs for Go-To slewing
  • Guided alignment workflow
  • Flexible Wi-Fi network setup
  • Configuration and tuning options
Features
Read full description

MLAstro is the wireless remote control companion for OnStep-based telescope mounts connected through SmartWebServer. Whether you're in your backyard or at a dark-sky site, MLAstro gives you everything you need right from your phone — no laptop, no cables, no hassle. KEY FEATURES ● Live Mount Status See your mount's current state at a glance: tracking mode, guide rates, slew status, and connection health — all updated in real time. ● Full Directional Control A responsive on-screen directional pad lets you nudge the mount in any direction. Adjust slew rates, start or stop tracking, and send mount utility commands with a tap. ● Home & Park Safely home or park your mount at the end of a session with dedicated one-tap controls. ● Go-To Catalogs Browse built-in catalogs and send your mount directly to any object: - Messier catalog (110 objects) - Caldwell catalog (109 objects) - Bright Stars list - J2000 coordinate entry for any custom target ● Target Detail & Slew View object details before slewing, confirm the target, and watch your mount move — all from one clean screen. ● Alignment Workflow Step through the alignment process guided by the app, so your mount points accurately every time. ● Flexible Network Setup Supports both Access Point and Station (router) Wi-Fi modes. Save your controller's IP address and port so you're always one tap from connecting. ● Configuration & Tuning Adjust meridian flip settings, slew limits, slew rates, tracking mode, time & location, and controller / axis parameters — all without leaving the app. ● Light & Dark Theme Choose light, dark, or follow your system preference. REQUIREMENTS - An OnStep-based telescope mount controller - SmartWebServer (or compatible TCP bridge) running on port 9998 (configurable) - iOS 15 or later - Same local Wi-Fi network as the mount MLAstro is built for amateur astronomers who want a clean, capable mobile controller for their OnStep rig. No account required. No cloud. Just your phone and your mount.

About

Askar Astro Controller

Features
Read full description

As the core companion for the Askar WAF, the Askar APP offers a high-precision focusing solution for both visual astronomy and deep-sky imaging. Paired with the Askar APP, the WAF offers accurate, responsive focusing with fine step control and instant stop. Travel and step size are independently adjustable – focus in one tap. The APP offers flexible device management – rename and group your devices with ease. Step parameters and travel reverse are also adjustable, so you can tailor the focusing experience to your own workflow. The APP is currently fully optimized for the WAF. Our development team will continue to release regular updates, gradually introducing support for filter wheels, rotators, and other smart astronomy devices. By continuously expanding device compatibility, the APP aims to deliver integrated, intelligent control over a full range of astronomy accessories, providing users with a more comprehensive and efficient solution for smart astrophotography.

Screenshots

MLAstro Hub4 screens
Askar Astro Controller2 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Askar Astro Controller at daily against MLAstro Hub's every 5 days. 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MLAstro Hub ships an update every 5 days, Askar Astro Controller daily. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
MLAstro Hub versus Askar Astro Controller: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMLAstro HubAskar Astro Controller
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size86 MB106 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTo Ngoc KhanhJiaxing Ruixing Optical Instrument Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

None

MLAstro Hub

No in-app purchases

None

Askar Astro Controller

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MLAstro Hub free?
MLAstro Hub is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Askar Astro Controller free?
Askar Astro Controller is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MLAstro Hub or Askar Astro Controller have ads?
Neither MLAstro Hub nor Askar Astro Controller shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MLAstro Hub or Askar Astro Controller?
MLAstro Hub ships an update every 5 days, and Askar Astro Controller daily. Most recently, MLAstro Hub was updated on October 9, 2026 and Askar Astro Controller on October 14, 2026.

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