# Polar Scope Align vs SynScan Pro

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Polar Scope Align at 91% against SynScan Pro's 22%. Polar Scope Align also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.6) and ratings volume (171 vs 51). SynScan Pro'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 Pro asks for nothing beyond the download.

Polar Scope Align holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 171 and 51 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Polar Scope Align's written reviews are positive against 22% of SynScan Pro's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and July 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | SynScan Pro |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (171 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews)** | [2.6 (51 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan-pro/id1302270121/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **171** | 51 |
| Positive reviews | **91.2% of reviews** | 21.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| 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 Pro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan-pro/id1302270121)

Control motorized telescope mounts for celestial observation and astrophotography. Features include precise slewing, alignment, GOTO, and tracking of stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. Supports advanced functions like polar alignment and camera triggering.

**Highlights:** Control telescope mount (slew, align, GOTO, track), Point and Track celestial objects, Gamepad navigation support, Catalog of celestial objects, Third-party app integration (ASCOM, SkySafari), Polar alignment (with or without polar scope), Camera shutter release control

**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 Pro free?

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

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

Polar Scope Align is rated higher. Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 out of 5 from 171 ratings, while SynScan Pro averages 2.6 from 51 ratings.

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

Polar Scope Align shows ads; SynScan Pro does not.

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

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, and SynScan Pro every 2 months. Most recently, Polar Scope Align was updated on September 8, 2026 and SynScan Pro on July 4, 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.*