# FLIR Tools vs IR explorer

The clearest difference is rating: IR explorer at 3.1 against FLIR Tools's 1.8. IR explorer also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs monthly) and review sentiment (27% vs 18%). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

IR explorer holds the better App Store score, 3.1 against 1.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 19 and 38 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 18% of FLIR Tools's written reviews are positive against 27% of IR explorer's.

FLIR Tools ships an update monthly, IR explorer fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FLIR Tools | IR explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flir-tools/id511247887/reviews) | **[3.1 (38 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ir-explorer/id1580206229/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 19 | **38** |
| Positive reviews | 17.7% of reviews | **27.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 192 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FLIR Systems Aktiebolag](https://appshunter.io/developer/408612990) | [InfiRay Technologies Co.,Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1516230719) |

## What reviewers say

### FLIR Tools

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/flir-tools/id511247887)

This app allows professional thermographers to view and capture live infrared video and stills from select FLIR cameras on their mobile devices. It enables remote operation of cameras, data analysis, and report generation for thermal imaging inspections.

**Highlights:** Live infrared video streaming, Remote camera operation, Import and analyze thermal images, Measurement tools, Create and email reports, Image information display, Control camera settings

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 📱 Works well with compatible cameras for image transfer
- 🎨 Good editing tools for thermal image analysis
- 📊 Useful for field reporting and client presentations
- 🔧 Spot temperature measurement and annotation features
- ⚡ Quick image review capability in the field

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔌 Persistent connection issues with cameras
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezing
- 📉 Significant loss of features after updates
- 🚫 Limited device compatibility despite marketing
- ⚠️ Poor remote control functionality

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to detect cameras on same network
- Connection timeout errors when attempting to import
- App crashes when creating or exporting reports
- Freezing during image import process
- Device discovery never locates camera

**Requested features**

- Restore remote control capabilities for camera adjustment
- Enable bulk select-all and batch delete/save operations
- Add image editing features (palette, level, span adjustments)
- Restore multiple report templates and layout options
- Support for Bluetooth connectivity on older cameras


### 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 FLIR Tools free?

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

### Is IR explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FLIR Tools or IR explorer?

IR explorer is rated higher. FLIR Tools averages 1.8 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while IR explorer averages 3.1 from 38 ratings.

### Do FLIR Tools or IR explorer have ads?

Neither FLIR Tools nor IR explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FLIR Tools or IR explorer?

FLIR Tools ships an update monthly, and IR explorer fortnightly. Most recently, FLIR Tools was updated on October 14, 2026 and IR explorer on October 5, 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.*