# aprs.fi vs Light Pollution Map

The clearest difference is rating: aprs.fi at 4.7 against Light Pollution Map's 4.1. aprs.fi also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months) and ratings volume (1.1K vs 46). Light Pollution Map's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and price ($4.99 vs $6.99). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

aprs.fi costs $6.99 and Light Pollution Map $4.99 up front. aprs.fi sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Light Pollution Map asks for nothing beyond the download.

aprs.fi holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: aprs.fi has 1.1K ratings behind it against 46, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of aprs.fi's written reviews are positive against 57% of Light Pollution Map's.

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, Light Pollution Map every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | aprs.fi | Light Pollution Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aprsfi/id922155038/reviews)** | [4.1 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-pollution-map/id1530464858/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 46 |
| Positive reviews | **70.4% of reviews** | 57.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#9** | #41 |
| Size | 28 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [GainIO](https://appshunter.io/developer/922155037) | [Jurij Stare](https://appshunter.io/developer/1530464860) |

## What reviewers say

### aprs.fi

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aprsfi/id922155038)

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Paid · Navigation, #172 Top Grossing · Navigation (US App Store)

Access real-time APRS position data, weather reports, and telemetry graphs globally. Offers route guidance, station tracking, and map filtering. Some advanced features require an in-app subscription.

**Highlights:** Real-time APRS position data, Route guidance and driving directions, Search callsigns and addresses, Track multiple stations, Filter map information, View weather and telemetry graphs, Beacon your position

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra features, monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Extra features, yearly | $6.49 | per year |
| Extra features, fair trade | $13.49 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Solid product
- 👍 Works great with external hardware
- 💡 Useful for public service events
- 🚀 Reliable way to participate in APRS network
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Beaconing issues (inconsistent timing, lack of smart beaconing)
- 🔒 Messaging requires subscription
- 💰 Expensive for limited functionality
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 🔒 Subscription required for full features

**Reported bugs**

- Beacon not clickable
- Freezing on settings screen
- Incompatible with older iOS versions
- Inconsistent behavior with VOX on radios

**Requested features**

- Offline maps support
- Ability to change nickname without creating new account
- Smart beaconing mode
- Bulk message deletion
- CarPlay support


### Light Pollution Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/light-pollution-map/id1530464858)

**Currently charting:** #41 Top Paid · Navigation (US App Store)

Visualize sky brightness data, including VIIRS and SQM measurements, to understand light pollution levels. Explore various overlays like cloud coverage, aurora forecasts, and observatory locations. Offers offline access to essential maps.

**Highlights:** VIIRS, Sky Brightness, World Atlas, Cloud, Aurora layers, Color blind friendly color options, Cloud animation, SQM/SQC readings submission, International dark sky parks overlay, Offline mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is aprs.fi free?

aprs.fi costs $6.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Light Pollution Map free?

Light Pollution Map costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, aprs.fi or Light Pollution Map?

aprs.fi is rated higher. aprs.fi averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Light Pollution Map averages 4.1 from 46 ratings.

### Do aprs.fi or Light Pollution Map have ads?

Neither aprs.fi nor Light Pollution Map shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, aprs.fi or Light Pollution Map?

aprs.fi ships an update fortnightly, and Light Pollution Map every 3 months. Most recently, aprs.fi was updated on September 22, 2026 and Light Pollution Map on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, aprs.fi or Light Pollution Map?

aprs.fi currently peaks at #9 in the App Store charts, and Light Pollution Map at #41. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*