# Polar Scope Align vs ShamCheck

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ShamCheck at none against Polar Scope Align's 3. ShamCheck also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Polar Scope Align's advantage is ratings volume (173 vs 3) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.5). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

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

ShamCheck holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Polar Scope Align has 173 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | ShamCheck |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (173 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shamcheck/id6760807897/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **173** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 91.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 24 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.5 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) | [Three Clicks Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885888928) |

## 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


### ShamCheck

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shamcheck/id6760807897)

Identify suspicious messages and phishing attempts with this free tool. Analyze shared messages or screenshots to detect potential online fraud and stay safe from scams.

**Highlights:** Identify scam messages, Detect phishing attempts, Analyze shared messages, Analyze screenshots, Free to use

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

**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 ShamCheck free?

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

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

ShamCheck is rated higher. Polar Scope Align averages 4.7 out of 5 from 173 ratings, while ShamCheck averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

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

Polar Scope Align shows ads; ShamCheck does not.

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

Polar Scope Align ships an update every 6 weeks, and ShamCheck every 6 weeks. Most recently, Polar Scope Align was updated on November 6, 2026 and ShamCheck on October 31, 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.*