# Thunder Scanner vs Lighting Scanner

Thunder Scanner and Lighting Scanner both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Lighting Scanner's written reviews are positive against 71% of Thunder Scanner's. Lighting Scanner also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Thunder Scanner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Lighting Scanner sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Thunder Scanner against 4.8 for Lighting Scanner. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 649 and 442 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 71% of Thunder Scanner's written reviews are positive against 100% of Lighting Scanner's.

Thunder Scanner ships an update every 2 weeks, Lighting Scanner every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thunder Scanner | Lighting Scanner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (649 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-scanner-qr-reader/id6444072721/reviews) | **[4.8 (442 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **649** | 442 |
| Positive reviews | 71.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 64 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [APEXMOBI PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1604377579) | [APPSFLYDARGON LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1725447360) |

## What reviewers say

### Thunder Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-scanner-qr-reader/id6444072721)

This app allows for quick scanning and generation of QR codes for various purposes, including sharing Wi-Fi passwords and event details. It also integrates AI to analyze scanned codes, providing context and summaries for a more insightful experience.

**Highlights:** Fast QR code scanning, QR code generation, AI analysis of scanned codes, Scan photos with GPT-4o, Obtain detailed information from codes, Easy sharing of generated codes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thunder Premium Weekly | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Thunder Premium Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Thunder Premium Yearly | $49.99 | per year |


### Lighting Scanner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lighting-scanner-scan-qr-code/id6476649650)

This app allows you to quickly scan QR codes and barcodes to access information, coupons, and links. It also functions as a generator, enabling you to create custom QR codes for various purposes, including social media, Wi-Fi, and contact details.

**Highlights:** QR code and barcode scanning, QR code generation, Customizable QR code colors and designs, Scan from camera or media library, Share scanned codes and generated codes, Save scan history

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Premium Membership | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Premium Membership | $39.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Thunder Scanner free?

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

### Is Lighting Scanner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Thunder Scanner or Lighting Scanner?

Lighting Scanner is rated higher. Thunder Scanner averages 4.7 out of 5 from 649 ratings, while Lighting Scanner averages 4.8 from 442 ratings.

### Do Thunder Scanner or Lighting Scanner have ads?

Both Thunder Scanner and Lighting Scanner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Thunder Scanner or Lighting Scanner?

Thunder Scanner ships an update every 2 weeks, and Lighting Scanner every 5 days. Most recently, Thunder Scanner was updated on September 19, 2026 and Lighting Scanner on September 18, 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.*