# Polar Scope Align vs Planetary Compass

The clearest difference is rating: Polar Scope Align at 4.7 against Planetary Compass's 1.8. Polar Scope Align also leads on ratings volume (171 vs 4) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Planetary Compass's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Polar Scope Align holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Polar Scope Align has 171 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 91% of Polar Scope Align's written reviews are positive against 100% of Planetary Compass's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, Planetary Compass every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 8, 2026 and September 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | Planetary Compass |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (171 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews)** | [1.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planetary-compass/id1665242068/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **171** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 91.2% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 23 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) | [Gaston Sobrevilla](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580321667) |

## 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


### Planetary Compass

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planetary-compass/id1665242068)

Discover the location of planets in the night sky. This app helps you identify celestial bodies like Mars and Jupiter, indicating their position, altitude, and magnitude. It also informs you if a planet is visible without optical aid.

**Highlights:** Indicates Azimuth, Altitude, and Magnitude, Helps locate planets by rotating phone, Indicates naked-eye visibility, Identifies planets like Mars and Jupiter

**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 Planetary Compass free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Polar Scope Align or Planetary Compass?

Polar Scope Align is rated higher. Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 out of 5 from 171 ratings, while Planetary Compass averages 1.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do Polar Scope Align or Planetary Compass have ads?

Both Polar Scope Align and Planetary Compass show ads.

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

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 2 months, and Planetary Compass every 6 days. Most recently, Polar Scope Align was updated on September 8, 2026 and Planetary Compass on September 15, 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.*