# XScreenSaver vs ColorfulThunder

The clearest difference is ratings volume: XScreenSaver at 109 against ColorfulThunder's 2. ColorfulThunder's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

ColorfulThunder holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: XScreenSaver has 109 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of XScreenSaver's written reviews are positive against 100% of ColorfulThunder's.

XScreenSaver ships an update every 6 months, ColorfulThunder every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | XScreenSaver | ColorfulThunder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (109 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xscreensaver/id539014593/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colorfulthunder/id721033151/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **109** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 months** | Every 11 months |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 37 MB | 54 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jamie Zawinski](https://appshunter.io/developer/368900426) | [SIME Corp](https://appshunter.io/developer/721033154) |

## What reviewers say

### XScreenSaver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xscreensaver/id539014593)

Explore a vast collection of historic and educational graphics demos originally designed for Linux and Unix systems. This application allows you to interact with hundreds of these visual demonstrations, ported from the classic screen saver collection.

**Highlights:** Historic graphics demos, Educational visual content, Interactive demo playback, Large collection of visuals, Cross-platform heritage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ No ads or data collection
- 🎨 Extensive variety of screensavers
- 📱 Works seamlessly across multiple platforms (iOS, Mac, iPad)
- 🆓 Completely free application
- 🕰️ Nostalgic and retro aesthetic appeal

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes with certain screensavers
- 🎯 Difficult to tap small exit button on larger devices
- 🔋 High battery consumption on some devices
- ⚠️ Photo library screensaver crashes on iOS 13
- 🎪 Limited practical use on iOS devices

**Reported bugs**

- Photo library screensaver crashes on iOS 13
- GLText reveals password when system info is selected
- Framebuffer loading failures requiring app restart
- Crashes on certain devices or configurations
- Difficult UI for exiting screensavers on larger phones

**Requested features**

- Favorites or bookmarking system to save preferred screensavers
- Hide or exclude unwanted screensavers from rotation
- Ability to select specific channels in XAnalogTV screensaver
- Widget support for iOS standby mode
- Prevent auto-lock feature to keep screen on


### ColorfulThunder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/colorfulthunder/id721033151)

This experimental instrument uses light and color to create harmonious visual experiences. Connect multiple devices to create shared color canvases and synchronize them for social interaction or to support causes.

**Highlights:** Experimental color instrument, Uses light and color for harmony, Connect multiple iPhones/iPads, Synchronize devices wirelessly, Create and share ColorTunes, Support causes with custom ColorTunes

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is XScreenSaver free?

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

### Is ColorfulThunder free?

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

### Which has better reviews, XScreenSaver or ColorfulThunder?

ColorfulThunder is rated higher. XScreenSaver averages 4.8 out of 5 from 109 ratings, while ColorfulThunder averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do XScreenSaver or ColorfulThunder have ads?

Neither XScreenSaver nor ColorfulThunder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, XScreenSaver or ColorfulThunder?

XScreenSaver ships an update every 6 months, and ColorfulThunder every 11 months. Most recently, XScreenSaver was updated on October 24, 2026 and ColorfulThunder on October 23, 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.*