# Polar Scope Align vs SynScan Photo

The clearest difference is rating: Polar Scope Align at 4.7 against SynScan Photo's 2.0. Polar Scope Align also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 50%) and ratings volume (173 vs 2). SynScan Photo'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 Photo asks for nothing beyond the download.

Polar Scope Align holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Polar Scope Align has 173 ratings behind it against 2, 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 50% of SynScan Photo's.

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, SynScan Photo every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | SynScan Photo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (173 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews)** | [2.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan-photo/id1475652739/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **173** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | **91.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 23 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) | [SynUe Tech. Co., Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1475652738) |

## 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 Photo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/synscan-photo/id1475652739)

Control Skywatcher AZ-Mounts for astrophotography tasks like panoramas and time-lapses. Requires a mount with a Wi-Fi module and specific firmware version.

**Highlights:** Control Skywatcher AZ-Mounts, Perform panoramic photography, Create time-lapse sequences, Execute multiple-point scans, Wi-Fi module required, Firmware version 3.20+ needed

**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 Photo free?

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

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

Polar Scope Align is rated higher. Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 out of 5 from 173 ratings, while SynScan Photo averages 2.0 from 2 ratings.

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

Polar Scope Align shows ads; SynScan Photo does not.

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

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, and SynScan Photo every 3 months. Most recently, Polar Scope Align was updated on October 21, 2026 and SynScan Photo on October 20, 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.*