# Polar Scope Align vs SynScan

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Polar Scope Align at 91% against SynScan's 22%. Polar Scope Align also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.3) and ratings volume (171 vs 8). SynScan's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Polar Scope Align sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. SynScan asks for nothing beyond the download.

Polar Scope Align holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Polar Scope Align has 171 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Polar Scope Align's written reviews are positive against 22% of SynScan's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and June 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | SynScan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (171 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews)** | [3.3 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan/id1243086631/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **171** | 8 |
| Positive reviews | **91.2% of reviews** | 22.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 23 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) | [Astropower Technology Co. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787940478) |

## What reviewers say

### Polar Scope Align

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965)

This app calculates the precise position of celestial poles in your telescope's polar scope reticle for accurate alignment. It supports a wide range of reticles and corrects for atmospheric refraction, offering precision even at lower latitudes. Features include night mode, moon phase, and astronomical databases.

**Highlights:** Polaris/Sigma Octantis position calculation, Atmospheric refraction correction, Reticle centering error correction, Supports numerous reticle types, Red-color night mode, Moon phase and astronomical databases

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tip 1x | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tip 4x | $3.99 | one-time |
| Tip 10x | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎯 Extensive reticle options for various telescope mounts
- 👍 User-friendly and intuitive interface
- 🆓 Powerful free version with no popup ads
- 🔴 Red night vision mode preserves dark adaptation
- 📍 Accurate GPS-based location detection

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent accuracy with metal mounts/tripods
- 📱 Font size too small for comfortable reading
- 🎯 Center dot in reticle obscures precise alignment
- 📍 Limited effectiveness for southern hemisphere (Sigma Octantis is dim)
- ❓ Steep learning curve for beginners without proper guidance

**Reported bugs**

- Date and time dial do not match correctly
- GMT and LST times appear to be switched
- App crashes or fails to initialize for some users
- Alignment accuracy varies inconsistently between sessions
- Location detection issues with cell tower vs GPS

**Requested features**

- Online video tutorials demonstrating all features
- Remove or reduce center dot size in reticle
- Larger, bolder font options for better readability
- Brighter star options for southern hemisphere alignment
- Smaller ad button or ad customization


### SynScan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan/id1243086631)

Control motorized telescope mounts for celestial object tracking and exploration. Features include GOTO functionality, object catalogs, and gamepad navigation. Ideal for novice users with alt-azimuth mounts.

**Highlights:** Control telescope mount slew, align, GOTO, and track, Point and Track celestial objects, Support gamepad navigation, Browse and save celestial object catalogs, Third-party app integration (ASCOM, SkySafari, Stellarium), Emulator mount for testing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Polar Scope Align free?

Polar Scope Align is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SynScan free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Polar Scope Align or SynScan?

Polar Scope Align is rated higher. Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 out of 5 from 171 ratings, while SynScan averages 3.3 from 8 ratings.

### Do Polar Scope Align or SynScan have ads?

Polar Scope Align shows ads; SynScan does not.

### Which is updated more often, Polar Scope Align or SynScan?

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, and SynScan every 2 months. Most recently, Polar Scope Align was updated on September 8, 2026 and SynScan on June 1, 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.*