Sky Guide
Sky Guide: A capable offline sky guide with AR overlays, event tracking, and paid catalog expansions. Ranked #14 of 34 in Astronomy Apps by our editors (6.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for offline iPhone and Mac sky identification.
At a glance
- Editor score6.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOffline iPhone and Mac sky identification
- Free planYes
- Offline accessYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Identifies stars, planets, constellations, and satellites automatically
- Works offline without Wi-Fi, cellular service, or GPS after installation
- Combines AR overlays, event calendars, and satellite notifications
Where it doesn't
- Its strongest coverage is centered on iOS and macOS
- Expanded catalogs and field-of-view tools require paid tiers
- Advanced PRO features are separate from the free plan
Our verdict on Sky Guide
Sky Guide is an astronomy app for identifying and exploring stars, constellations, planets, satellites, comets, and other sky objects. It is designed for casual stargazers, families, teachers, and astronomy enthusiasts who want an accessible guide for Apple devices. Automatic identification, augmented-reality overlays, educational descriptions, and red night-vision mode support both quick observations and more deliberate exploration. The app is available across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Vision, and Apple Watch through Apple’s App Store, with iOS and macOS forming its strongest coverage.
Its offline operation is a major practical strength. After installation, Sky Guide can operate without Wi-Fi, cellular service, or GPS, making it suitable for dark-sky locations and travel. Time controls let users explore past and future sky positions, while location-filtered calendars cover eclipses, meteor showers, and other astronomy events. Satellite-pass tracking and notifications, including for the International Space Station, add a useful planning layer beyond basic object identification.
The freemium structure starts with a free plan and adds PLUS and PRO expansions. PLUS provides expanded object catalogs and a dark-sky finder. PRO adds higher-definition zooming, larger catalogs, cinematic tours, and field-of-view tools. That tiered approach suits people who want to begin with straightforward sky identification and expand into richer catalogs or guided exploration. Sky Guide is a strong choice for Apple users who value offline access and visual discovery; people seeking a broader device ecosystem or a narrower, catalog-only reference may prefer a more specialized alternative.
Sky Guide pricing
Sky Guide fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Offline access | Yes |
| Platform coverage | Cross-platform |
| AR sky view | Yes |
| Telescope control | Not verified |
| Mission tracking | Yes |
| Catalog size | Not verified |
| Learning content | Yes |
| Deployment | Mobile, Desktop |
| Platforms | iOS, macOS |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | fifthstarlabs.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Sky Guide
- StellariumA capable free desktop planetarium with telescope control, scripting, and offline access.9.0
- KStarsA capable free desktop toolkit for sky simulation, planning, and astrophotography.8.2
- WorldWide TelescopeA free, open-source astronomy platform for visualization, tours, and telescope projects.8.2
See all Sky Guide alternatives →
Used Sky Guide? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Sky Guide for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Sky Guide is listed in our Astronomy Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/sky-guide/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/sky-guide.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update