# Infrared Camera vs IR explorer

The clearest difference is rating: IR explorer at 3.1 against Infrared Camera's 1.0. IR explorer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and ratings volume (49 vs 1). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Infrared Camera sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. IR explorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

IR explorer holds the better App Store score, 3.1 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: IR explorer has 49 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 28% of Infrared Camera's written reviews are positive against 27% of IR explorer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Infrared Camera ships an update weekly, IR explorer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Infrared Camera | IR explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/infrared-camera-thermal-view/id300773390/reviews) | **[3.1 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ir-explorer/id1580206229/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **49** |
| Positive reviews | **28.5% of reviews** | 27.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 6 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Masayuki Hisada](https://appshunter.io/developer/296609237) | [InfiRay Technologies Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1516230719) |

## What reviewers say

### Infrared Camera

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/infrared-camera-thermal-view/id300773390)

Transform your iPhone into a thermal imaging camera with real-time visual effects. Explore dark environments with enhanced low-light processing and choose from 34 unique thermal and vision filters. Capture photos and videos with simulated thermal effects.

**Highlights:** Real-time thermographic visual effects, 34 thermal and vision filters, Enhanced low-light processing, AI object detection (Pro), Photo and video capture, NightBoost night vision, Apply filters to library photos

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ad | $0.99 | one-time |
| Color Filter | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hue Filter | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pro Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Can make dark images viewable
- 🆓 Free to download
- 💡 Interesting visual effect
- ⏱️ Time saver for editing
- 👍 Works as advertised (for some)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Not real infrared
- ⚫ Just a black and white filter
- 📉 Poor image quality
- 😵 Overwhelming ads
- 🐛 App crashes frequently

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch
- Black screen on startup
- Ads are intrusive and unremovable
- Purchased features not loading
- App crashes after taking a photo

**Requested features**

- Ability to save photos
- Dark mode for ads
- Update for newer iOS versions
- Live preview function
- Higher resolution output


### IR explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ir-explorer/id1580206229)

This app transforms your smartphone into an infrared camera, allowing you to see objects emitting heat in dark environments. It offers clear imaging, various filter effects, and real-time temperature detection for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals.

**Highlights:** Infrared camera functionality, Clear night vision imaging, Temperature detection, Multiple filter effects, Hot spot tracking, Laser pointing function

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Infrared Camera free?

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

### Is IR explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Infrared Camera or IR explorer?

IR explorer is rated higher. Infrared Camera averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while IR explorer averages 3.1 from 49 ratings.

### Do Infrared Camera or IR explorer have ads?

Neither Infrared Camera nor IR explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Infrared Camera or IR explorer?

Infrared Camera ships an update weekly, and IR explorer fortnightly. Most recently, Infrared Camera was updated on October 23, 2026 and IR explorer on October 24, 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.*