# Polar Scope Align vs OnStep Controller

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OnStep Controller at none against Polar Scope Align's 3. OnStep Controller also leads on ads (none vs shown). Polar Scope Align's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | Polar Scope Align | OnStep Controller |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (171 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polar-scope-align/id970157965/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **171** | — |
| Positive reviews | 91.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | — |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 23 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dimitrios Kechagias](https://appshunter.io/developer/970157964) | [Gray Digital Arts LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895978400) |

## 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


### OnStep Controller

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/onstep-controller-gda/id6765521295)

**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 OnStep Controller free?

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

### Do Polar Scope Align or OnStep Controller have ads?

Polar Scope Align shows ads; OnStep Controller does not.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*