Comparison

Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) vs Mini Chess

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads)

Create a personalized thunderstorm experience to aid relaxation and sleep. Customize rain intensity, thunder frequency, lightning effects, and background sounds. Includes a sleep timer with audio fade-out.

Highlights
  • Customizable thunderstorm types
  • Adjustable rain and thunder sounds
  • Toggleable lightning effects
  • Background ambient sounds
  • Sleep timer with fade-out
  • Bluetooth and AirPlay support
Read full description

Summon a thunderstorm on your mobile device. Relax and fall fast asleep to the sounds of rain and thunder. The camera flashes when lightning strikes. THUNDERSTORMS • Strong Thunderstorm — Heavy rain with frequent lightning and thunder nearby • Normal Thunderstorm — Steady rain with a full range of lightning and thunder • Weak Thunderstorm — Light rain with occasional lightning and thunder far off • Passing Thunderstorms — Rain and lightning intensity changes as the storms pass Rain • Toggle rain sound effects • Change rain audio: Default, Heavy, Steady, Light, On Tin Roof • Change rain volume Lightning/Thunder • Toggle thunder sound effects • Change thunder volume • Change delay lightning (Wireless audio delay offset) • Toggle delay thunder • Toggle lightning light effects • Change lightning transition effects • Change lightning/thunder occurrence: Default, Occasional, Normal, Frequent Passing Thunderstorms • Change starting storm for Passing Thunderstorms: Weak, Normal, Strong • Change cycle time for Passing Thunderstorms: 15m, 30m, 60m Background Sounds • Toggle background sounds: Birds, Cicadas, Crickets, Frogs • Change background sounds volume ADDITIONAL FEATURES • Sleep Timer — Set a timer with a gradual audio fade-out. • Bluetooth and AirPlay Support — Connect to Bluetooth speakers directly, or connect to speakers with AirPlay using the Control Center. Adjust the Delay Lightning setting to offset wireless audio delay. Please contact me at support@thunderstorm.scottdodson.dev if you experience any issues. I'd love to hear your thoughts and appreciate you taking the time to rate and review the app. I want to continue to improve Thunderstorm Simulator and create a great experience for you and future users. Thank you! —Scott *Ad-free version: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/thunderstorm-simulator/id1200949907

About

Mini Chess

Read full description

Mini Chess is an innovative chess game designed specifically for Apple Watch, offering strategic gameplay on a compact 5x5 board. Key Features: • Compact Board: Specially designed 5x5 board for watch display • Smart AI: Three difficulty levels from beginner to advanced • Easy Controls: Touch to move, green hints for valid moves • Immersive Experience: Smooth animations and haptic feedback • Theme Options: Multiple board themes to choose from • Dual Language: Full English and Chinese support Gameplay: • Classic chess rules • Undo move support • Real-time turn indicators • Quick game restart • Switch AI between black and white Perfect for quick chess matches anytime, anywhere. Whether you're commuting, taking a break, or just waiting, enjoy a quick game of chess right on your wrist. Download now and start your strategic battles!

Screenshots

Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads)3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) at Free against Mini Chess's $0.99. Mini Chess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) is free to download; Mini Chess costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) ships an update every 4 months, Mini Chess every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) versus Mini Chess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads)Mini Chess
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.6 (12 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews50.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings12 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.0.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size75 MB8 MB
Age rating12+4+
DeveloperScott Dodson鹏飞 侯

In-app purchases

None

Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads)

No in-app purchases

None

Mini Chess

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) free?
Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Mini Chess free?
Mini Chess costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) or Mini Chess have ads?
Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) shows ads; Mini Chess does not.
Which is updated more often, Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) or Mini Chess?
Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) ships an update every 4 months, and Mini Chess every 3 weeks. Most recently, Thunderstorm Simulator (w/Ads) was updated on October 24, 2026 and Mini Chess on October 25, 2026.

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