# TargetIR vs Thermal Effect

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TargetIR at none against Thermal Effect's 2. Thermal Effect's advantage is update cadence (daily vs every 5 weeks) and rating (4.3 vs 4.0). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Thermal Effect sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. TargetIR asks for nothing beyond the download.

Thermal Effect holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Thermal Effect has 111 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 28% of TargetIR's written reviews are positive against 22% of Thermal Effect's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

TargetIR ships an update every 5 weeks, Thermal Effect daily. The most recent releases landed on September 13, 2026 and September 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TargetIR | Thermal Effect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/targetir/id1579653456/reviews) | **[4.3 (111 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermal-effect-night-camera/id6480454416/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **111** |
| Positive reviews | **28.0% of reviews** | 22.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 113 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Wuhan Guide Infrared Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/688744536) | [Artoun Ohanyan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1728238441) |

## What reviewers say

### TargetIR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/targetir/id1579653456)

This app connects to a thermal imager device via Wi-Fi, allowing users to view high-definition thermal images in real-time. It offers full remote control for taking photos, recording videos, and accessing the device's image library for sharing.

**Highlights:** Real-time HD thermal image preview, Remote control of thermal imager functions, Take photos and record videos, Access and share image library, Wi-Fi device connectivity

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Thermal Effect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermal-effect-night-camera/id6480454416)

Explore the world through a thermal lens with this app. It transforms your photos and videos with various heat vision effects, emulating different thermal imaging devices. Easily create and share unique visual content.

**Highlights:** Thermal imaging effects, Heat vision filters, Multiple viewing modes, Photo and video enhancement, Easy to use interface, Share creations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thermal Effects Weekly Trial | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Thermal Effects Weekly Promo | $4.99 | per 7 days |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TargetIR free?

TargetIR is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Thermal Effect free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TargetIR or Thermal Effect?

Thermal Effect is rated higher. TargetIR averages 4.0 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Thermal Effect averages 4.3 from 111 ratings.

### Do TargetIR or Thermal Effect have ads?

Neither TargetIR nor Thermal Effect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TargetIR or Thermal Effect?

TargetIR ships an update every 5 weeks, and Thermal Effect daily. Most recently, TargetIR was updated on September 13, 2026 and Thermal Effect on September 12, 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.*