# Tusker vs Thunder for Lemmy

The clearest difference is rating: Tusker at 4.7 against Thunder for Lemmy's 3.6. Tusker also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 71%). Thunder for Lemmy's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Tusker sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Thunder for Lemmy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Tusker holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 30 and 14 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Tusker's written reviews are positive against 71% of Thunder for Lemmy's.

Tusker ships an update every 3 months, Thunder for Lemmy every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Tusker | Thunder for Lemmy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (30 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tusker/id1498334597/reviews)** | [3.6 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-for-lemmy/id6450518497/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **30** | 14 |
| Positive reviews | **90.9% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 18 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Vaccor, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1498334596) | [Hamlet Jiang Su](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693685788) |

## What reviewers say

### Tusker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tusker/id1498334597)

This app offers a flexible and customizable client for the Mastodon social network and compatible services. It provides advanced features like notification grouping, timeline syncing across devices, and extensive personalization options for a tailored social media experience.

**Highlights:** Notification grouping, Timeline sync with iCloud, Customizable timelines with filters, Extensive user preferences, Digital wellness options, Multiple account support, Modern Mastodon features

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tusker Supporter | $1.99 | per month |
| Nice Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Awesome Tip | $6.99 | one-time |
| Incredible Tip | $14.99 | one-time |


### Thunder for Lemmy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-for-lemmy/id6450518497)

An open-source client for exploring the fediverse, offering multi-account support and extensive customization. Navigate communities, posts, and comments with swipe gestures and a Safari extension for seamless linking. Still in early development with more features planned.

**Highlights:** Open source client, Multi-account support, Customizable settings, Swipe gestures, Safari extension

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Safari Extension

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Tusker free?

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

### Is Thunder for Lemmy free?

Thunder for Lemmy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Tusker or Thunder for Lemmy?

Tusker is rated higher. Tusker averages 4.7 out of 5 from 30 ratings, while Thunder for Lemmy averages 3.6 from 14 ratings.

### Do Tusker or Thunder for Lemmy have ads?

Neither Tusker nor Thunder for Lemmy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Tusker or Thunder for Lemmy?

Tusker ships an update every 3 months, and Thunder for Lemmy every 2 weeks. Most recently, Tusker was updated on November 3, 2026 and Thunder for Lemmy on November 3, 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.*