# Thermal Xplorer vs Thermal Effect

The clearest difference is rating: Thermal Effect at 4.4 against Thermal Xplorer's 1.8. Thermal Effect also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 5 weeks) and review sentiment (22% vs 0%). Thermal Xplorer's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price, 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. Thermal Xplorer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Thermal Effect holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 1.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Thermal Effect has 156 ratings behind it against 16, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Thermal Xplorer's written reviews are positive against 22% of Thermal Effect's.

Thermal Xplorer ships an update every 5 weeks, Thermal Effect daily. Both last shipped on October 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thermal Xplorer | Thermal Effect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [1.8 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermal-xplorer/id6450157809/reviews) | **[4.4 (156 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermal-effect-night-camera/id6480454416/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **156** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **22.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Subscription |
| Size | 62 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [UNI-TREND TECHNOLOGY (CHINA) CO.,LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1207185875) | [Taalaibek Abakirov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845047526) |

## What reviewers say

### Thermal Xplorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermal-xplorer/id6450157809)

View real-time thermal images from compatible outdoor cameras via WiFi. This app allows for remote capture, video recording, and easy sharing of thermal imaging data, useful for both day and night observation.

**Highlights:** Real-time thermal image viewing, WiFi connection to cameras, Remote capture functionality, Video recording, Image and video sharing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**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, Vision Pro support

**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 Thermal Xplorer free?

Thermal Xplorer 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, Thermal Xplorer or Thermal Effect?

Thermal Effect is rated higher. Thermal Xplorer averages 1.8 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Thermal Effect averages 4.4 from 156 ratings.

### Do Thermal Xplorer or Thermal Effect have ads?

Neither Thermal Xplorer nor Thermal Effect shows ads.

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

Thermal Xplorer ships an update every 5 weeks, and Thermal Effect daily. Most recently, Thermal Xplorer was updated on October 23, 2026 and Thermal Effect 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.*