Astro (tryastro.app) has earned a solid reputation among iOS developers for App Store Optimization. It's well-designed, reasonably priced compared to enterprise tools like Sensor Tower or AppTweak, and its native Mac interface feels polished.
But it comes with significant limitations that many indie developers only discover after committing to an annual subscription. If you're evaluating ASO tools (or looking for a tryastro alternative) here's what you need to know before choosing.
TL;DR
Astro works well for Mac-only, iOS-only developers. But if you need cross-platform support, flexibility, or want to start free, Applyra is the better choice.
Start tracking your keywords for free →
The Quick Verdict
Astro is a good tool, for a narrow use case. If you only develop for Apple platforms, only use a Mac, and don't mind paying upfront for a full year, it does the job.
But most indie developers don't fit that profile. If you publish on Android (or might in the future), use Windows or Linux, or prefer to start free before committing money, Applyra is the more practical choice.
70%+
Global users on Android
$0
Applyra starting cost
2
Stores supported
Astro's Limitations You Should Know About
Before diving into features, let's address the constraints that might be deal-breakers depending on your workflow.
iOS Only - No Google Play Support
This is Astro's biggest constraint. It only covers Apple's App Store.
The Android Opportunity
Over 70% of global smartphone users are on Android. If you're ignoring the Play Store, you're leaving the majority of the market on the table. Cross-platform apps built with React Native or Flutter need visibility on both stores.
Here's a concrete example of why that matters: the keyword "habit tracker" has a difficulty score of around 78 on the App Store but only 61 on Google Play. That's a massive gap, the kind of cross-platform insight you'd never see with an iOS-only tool. Applyra surfaces these opportunities because it tracks both stores from one dashboard.
Mac Required - Everyone Else Is Locked Out
Astro is a native macOS app. No Mac, no Astro. Period.
This excludes every developer on Windows or Linux. It also means you can't quickly check your rankings from a different device, collaboration with team members on other platforms becomes difficult, and you lose access to your data when you're away from your Mac.
Applyra runs in any browser. Mac, Windows, Linux, tablet, phone, your ASO data is accessible from anywhere, synced automatically.
No Real Free Plan
Astro offers a 14-day trial. After that, you either pay $108 upfront for a full year, or you lose access entirely.
Applyra's Approach
Applyra has a permanent free plan. Not a trial that expires, an actual free tier you can use indefinitely. Start optimizing today and upgrade when your app generates enough revenue to justify it.
Create your free account →
Annual Commitment Only
With Astro, there's no monthly billing option. You commit to $108 for the year on day one.
Applyra offers monthly billing starting at $9.99 with no annual lock-in. Cancel anytime if your needs change. For early-stage apps with uncertain futures, this flexibility matters.
Feature Comparison
Here's a side-by-side look at what each tool offers:
| Feature | Applyra | Astro |
|---|---|---|
| App Store (iOS) support | ||
| Google Play support | ||
| Works on Windows/Linux | ||
| Permanent free plan | ||
| Monthly billing option | ||
| Unlimited keyword tracking | Paid plans | Paid plans |
| Daily rank updates | ||
| Keyword difficulty scores | ||
| Competitor analysis | ||
| AI metadata suggestions | ||
| API access | ||
| Multi-country support |
Both tools cover the ASO fundamentals well. The difference is what else you get and what limitations you accept.
When Astro Might Still Work
To be fair, Astro isn't a bad tool, it just fits a very specific profile. Its main differentiator is pulling data from Apple's Search Ads API, though that API has had well-documented reliability issues in recent months, which has affected tools that depend on it exclusively.
Astro could work for you if you develop exclusively for iOS, only use a Mac, and don't mind the $108 annual commitment upfront.
For everyone else, cross-platform developers, Windows/Linux users, or anyone who'd rather start free, the limitations add up fast.
Where Applyra Fills the Gaps
One Tool for Both Stores
Managing ASO across iOS and Android from a single dashboard isn't just convenient, it reveals insights you'd miss with separate tools. Compare how the same keyword performs on each platform, identify opportunities where competition is lower on one store, and build a unified ASO strategy.
Start Free, Upgrade When Ready
The permanent free plan lets you learn ASO properly before spending money. Track your initial keywords, understand the basics, see results from your first optimizations. When you're ready for more capacity, upgrade. No pressure, no expiration date.
No Platform Lock-In
Work from any device. Share access with collaborators regardless of their operating system. Check rankings from your phone while commuting. Browser-based doesn't mean slower, it means more flexible.
AI-Powered Metadata Suggestions
Write Better Metadata
Beyond tracking keywords, Applyra's AI helps you write better metadata. Get suggestions for titles, subtitles, and descriptions optimized for both discoverability and conversion. Stop guessing what phrasing might work, let data-driven suggestions guide your optimization.
AI-powered metadata suggestions are included in all paid plans.
How Applyra Gets Its Data
Rather than depending solely on Apple's Search Ads API, Applyra uses a combination of autocomplete data, download volume estimates, and ranking movement analysis across both stores. This approach means the data doesn't go dark when Apple's API has issues, and it gives you Android intelligence that Apple's API simply can't provide.
API for Automation
Need to integrate ASO data into your own dashboards or workflows? Applyra's API lets you build custom automations, export data programmatically, and connect ASO insights to your existing tools.
Pricing Breakdown
| Applyra | Astro | |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier | Yes (permanent) | No (14-day trial only) |
| Entry paid plan | $9.99/month | $108/year |
| Annual commitment required | No | Yes |
| Minimum upfront cost | $0 | $108 |
The monthly costs look similar on paper, but the commitment structures are completely different. Applyra lets you start at zero and scale up. Astro requires $108 before you can use it beyond two weeks.
Making the Switch from Astro
Already using Astro? Switching to Applyra takes less than 5 minutes:
- Sign up for Applyra's free plan - no credit card required
- Add your apps - works for both iOS and Android
- Import your keyword lists
- Start tracking - your historical data in Astro won't transfer, but you'll build new tracking history quickly
Pro Tip
Many developers run both tools in parallel during their remaining Astro subscription period, then consolidate to Applyra when the annual renewal comes up. It's a risk-free way to compare the data side by side.
The Bottom Line
Astro carved out a niche serving Mac-based iOS developers. That niche is shrinking as cross-platform frameworks like Flutter and React Native become the norm and developers work from diverse devices and operating systems.
Built for How Indie Developers Actually Work
Applyra was built for today's reality:
- Cross-platform: iOS and Android from one dashboard
- Any device: browser-based, no OS restrictions
- Budget-friendly: start free, upgrade with monthly billing
- Modern data: multiple data signals, not dependent on a single API
If Astro's limitations don't affect you, it's a decent tool. But for most indie developers, Applyra is simply the more practical, flexible, and accessible choice.
Try Applyra free - no credit card, no annual commitment →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Applyra better than Astro for ASO?
It depends on your needs. Astro is a good fit for Mac-only iOS developers who value Apple Search Ads data. Applyra is a better fit for most indie developers because it covers both iOS and Android, works on any device, and offers a permanent free plan. If you develop cross-platform apps or want to avoid annual commitments, Applyra is the stronger choice.
Does Astro (tryastro.app) work on Windows?
No. Astro is a native macOS application and is not available on Windows or Linux. Applyra is browser-based and works on any operating system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices.
Is there a free ASO tool that covers both iOS and Android?
Yes. Applyra offers a permanent free plan that lets you track keywords and monitor rankings on both the App Store and Google Play. Most ASO tools either charge from day one or only support one platform, Applyra supports both stores even on the free tier.
How much does Astro cost compared to Applyra?
Astro costs $108 per year (billed annually, no monthly option). Applyra starts at $0 with its free plan, and paid plans begin at $9.99/month with no annual commitment required. The key difference is that Applyra lets you pay monthly and start for free.
Can I switch from Astro to Applyra?
Yes. You can sign up for Applyra's free plan and start tracking your apps and keywords right away, setup takes less than 5 minutes. Historical data from Astro won't transfer, but many developers run both tools in parallel before fully switching over.
Ready to optimize your app?
Start tracking keywords and improving your app visibility on both stores - free, no credit card required.
