# Lightning Tracker vs Cloud Identifier

The clearest difference is rating: Cloud Identifier at 5.0 against Lightning Tracker's 4.3. Cloud Identifier also leads on ads (none vs shown). Lightning Tracker's advantage is ratings volume (574 vs 1) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 8 months). On price, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning Tracker sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Cloud Identifier sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cloud Identifier holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lightning Tracker has 574 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Lightning Tracker ships an update every 4 months, Cloud Identifier every 8 months. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning Tracker | Cloud Identifier |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (574 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-tracker/id1473753714/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloud-identifier-ai-scanner/id6748271655/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **574** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 75.6% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 8 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Elecont LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/401533969) | [Angel App Publishing Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/412814814) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightning Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-tracker/id1473753714)

Visualize real-time lightning strikes across North and South America on a dynamic map. Receive predictive alerts for strike patterns and intensity, with estimated arrival times for your location. Monitor current and historical lightning activity to stay informed and protected.

**Highlights:** Live lightning map, Real-time strike visualization, Predictive lightning alerts, Estimated time of arrival (ETA) for strikes, Monitor saved locations, 6-hour strike history

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads & Limits | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Accurate and real-time lightning tracking
- 👍 Helpful for safety and planning outdoor activities
- 💡 Useful for weather monitoring and storm tracking
- ⭐ Excellent app overall

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and glitches
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📢 Intrusive ads in free version
- 🚫 Lack of important features like distance, alerts, and history

**Reported bugs**

- App not detecting lightning strikes even when visible
- Frequent crashes and freezes
- Issues with app updates and functionality changes

**Requested features**

- Add distance/radius information for lightning strikes
- Implement push notifications/alerts for lightning within a certain radius
- Provide historical data and the ability to view past lightning activity
- Improve overall app stability and performance


### Cloud Identifier

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cloud-identifier-ai-scanner/id6748271655)

Instantly identify cloud types by taking a photo. Get detailed information on formations, weather implications, and confidence scores. Log your sky observations and learn about atmospheric science.

**Highlights:** Instant cloud detection via photo, AI-powered identification with confidence scores, Weather implications of cloud types, Scan history and personal sky log, Simple, distraction-free interface, Educational insights into sky science

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| One Time Upgrade | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightning Tracker free?

Lightning Tracker is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cloud Identifier free?

Cloud Identifier is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Lightning Tracker or Cloud Identifier?

Cloud Identifier is rated higher. Lightning Tracker averages 4.3 out of 5 from 574 ratings, while Cloud Identifier averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Lightning Tracker or Cloud Identifier have ads?

Lightning Tracker shows ads; Cloud Identifier does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lightning Tracker or Cloud Identifier?

Lightning Tracker ships an update every 4 months, and Cloud Identifier every 8 months. Most recently, Lightning Tracker was updated on September 27, 2026 and Cloud Identifier on September 10, 2026.

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