Introduction
Astrobarry and Stellarmate both come with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Keep a few things in mind while choosing the right software.
So, which one should you pick: Astrobarry vs. Stellarmate?
Astrobarry is free, and StellarMate costs quite a lot. But Astrobarry is harder to handle, while StellarMate is easier to operate. Astroberry has limited compatibility and support. On the other hand, StellarMate is very user-friendly and offers many options. Moreover, Stellarmate has every connection method available, while Astrobarry offers only wireless.
These were the differences between the two software in brief. If you’re still confused, don’t worry! We’ll discuss a head-to-head comparison right now.
So, let’s get started!
Astrobarry Vs StellarMate: Head to Head
It can be quite fun to be able to control your telescope remotely. At the same time, it is being away from your mount and getting all the pictures in real time.
But please keep in mind any possible neighboring light near your mount. If there is any, block the neighbor’s light to get a clear shot.
These two software do the same thing for you. You can get your desired shot from anywhere with the help of these systems.
Both systems give you the same benefit but with different advantages and disadvantages.
So, let’s go check out a brief comparison!
| Criteria | Astrobarry | StellarMate |
| Price | Cost-free | More expensive |
| Fundamental software | KStars/Ekos | KStars/Ekos |
| Supported Platforms | Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| Mobile App support | No | Yes (iOS, Android) |
| Methods of Connection | Wireless | Direct, Wireless, Wifi, Hotspot |
| Updates | Not Frequent | Frequent |
That was all in our quick overview of the comparison between Astrobarry and StellarMate. If this isn’t enough for you, don’t worry! We have an in-depth comparison right ahead.
So let’s get started!
Astrobarry Vs. StellarMate: In-depth Discussion
Suppose you’re not satisfied with the quick comparison. Don’t worry! Here we got an in-depth comparison of both software.
So let’s get right into the details!
Price
The biggest difference between these two is the price. Astrobarry is free, while StellarMate costs $49.00. This difference can be a big deciding factor for many users.
But it’s also true that StellarMate brings more user-friendliness to the table. Thus, the money might be worth it for many people.
Fundamental Software
Both of the systems have the same underlying software. Astroberry and StellarMate both use Kstars/Ekos as their core software. Even the user experience is quite similar.
Even though the base software is similar, the way of handling it is quite different.
For additional attachments, you might need other plugins to set them up—for example, photographic filters, telescope filters, nebula filters, etc.
Supported Platforms
This criterion favors StellarMate hugely. Even though Astrobarry is free, it doesn’t support any OS except Linux.
On the other hand, Stellarmate supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. This ease of compatibility for StellaMate is a huge winning factor.
Also, Linux is a more complicated OS and is made for tech-savvy people. It can be quite challenging for other OS users to switch to Linux.
Thus, Stellarmate stays way ahead in this criterion of comparison to Astrobarry.
Mobile App Support
Astroberry doesn’t have any mobile App. Contrary, StellarMate has a mobile application for both iOS and Android.
This means you can remotely control your mount using your phones or tablets. This works like a typical hand control of many mounts.
Since it’s a mobile App, you will never encounter hand control problems like the NexStar hand control problem, a common issue for NexStar mounts.
Having a mobile application makes a huge difference in user-friendliness and convenience.
Methods of Connection
The only method of connection Astrobarry offers is wireless. On the other hand, StellarMate supports all kinds of ways of contact.
It can be connected directly as well as through the wifi network. As well as through hotspots or wirelessly.
Updates
While Astrobarry doesn’t get too many updates, StellarMate gets frequent updates addressing the users’ complaints.
This is a very important aspect of having a better user experience.
These were some of the key differences between Astrobarry and StellarMate. If you are looking for a concluding decision, please keep reading, if you don’t mind.
Astrobarry Vs StellarMate: Final Verdict
So, which one should you choose? Both of these systems can do the same thing for you. It depends on your preference and desire.
Suppose you’re unwilling to spend much but want to finish the work. Astrobarry can provide you with the same benefits as StellarMate.
But it can be a bit difficult to operate. You can go through guides on using Astrobarry if you need them. If that’s not a problem for you, then Astrobarry is the way to go.
On the other hand, StellarMate offers you more convenience and ease of access. But it also costs quite a lot. Suppose you’re looking for a more convenient system. If the price isn’t a concern for you, then StellarMate should be your choice.
Hopefully, the comparison gave you a clear idea about both systems.
FAQs
Question: Is there any way to use Astrobarry in windows?
Answer: Yes. You can use Astrobarry in windows through third-party clients. You can use INDI or VNC clients on your Windows OS. There are also extensions and plugins available for Atroberry to make things easier.
Question: Can I use this software with my cameras?
Answer: Yes. You can use this software with your cameras to remotely control them. Just the way you use them with your telescopes. You can also use these with other mounts, such as focusers, CCDs, etc.
Question: Do I need third-party clients or plugins?
Answer: No. Astrobarry might need some third-party clients in specific situations. But StellarMate doesn’t need any third-party clients or plugins. But there are community-built plugins that can give you extra benefits. Some of them can come in quite handy in specific situations.
Bottom Line
That’s all from our side. By now, you should know which one to choose Astrobarry vs. Stellarmate.
Hopefully, the article helped you decide between these two options. Keep your budget and preferences in mind while choosing the system for yourself.
Also, you can always try out Astrobarry since it’s free.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Good luck, and see you at the next one!
