Who publishes this comparison?

Lemar Systems Ltd makes Tantastic. This is a comparison of published features, not an independent hands-on test or a ranking of health outcomes. Product listings were checked on 22 October 2026; features and offers can change.

Tantastic: for guided session phases

Consider Tantastic if you want to organise sessions into front, back and shade phases and keep a history afterwards. Optional glow photos live on your iPhone, alongside the app’s progress features.

The trade-off is focus: Tantastic is designed around an iPhone session workflow. If using an iPad or Apple Watch is essential, verify device support before switching. Read the Tantastic vs Beam comparison for the closer decision.

Glowy: for a scanning-led shortlist

Glowy is worth researching if skin scanning is the reason you want a different app. Its listing describes scanning, timers and progress tracking.

Check which functions are available after any trial. Decide whether you actually want scanning before choosing an app primarily around that feature.

Apple Weather: for a simpler forecast check

If you used Beam mainly to look up UV, try the Weather app already on your iPhone. You may find that a forecast is enough, without moving your routine into another dedicated tanning app.

That is a different workflow from keeping a session timeline. Our iPhone guide shows where to find the UV reading.

SunSmart Global UV: for a protection-first approach

The WHO describes SunSmart Global UV as a free app focused on UV information and sun-protection times. Consider it if protection planning is your main need.

Compare that purpose with the session and progress features you currently use. A protection forecast and a tanning tracker serve different goals.

A short checklist before switching

  • Write down the one feature you want to improve.
  • Check that feature on your device and in your storefront.
  • Review renewal terms before accepting a trial.
  • Check how your existing photos and history can be retained. Do not assume apps can import each other’s records.
  • Manage the old subscription separately in your Apple subscription settings.

For the wider category, see our tanning app shortlist.

Sources and further reading

Feature descriptions use the linked product information and this site’s Tantastic overview. Check the current listing and purchase screen before subscribing. Health information is general guidance, not individual medical advice.

Your forecast, with a plan

Meet Tantastic Sunglow

Hourly UV, guided timers and optional private progress photos on your iPhone.

View Tantastic on the App Store