# TopInfrared vs Thermal Effect

The clearest difference is rating: Thermal Effect at 4.4 against TopInfrared's 3.5. Thermal Effect also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (155 vs 48). TopInfrared's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription) and review sentiment (40% vs 22%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TopInfrared sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Thermal Effect sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Thermal Effect holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 48 and 155 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 40% of TopInfrared's written reviews are positive against 22% of Thermal Effect's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

TopInfrared ships an update every 3 weeks, Thermal Effect daily. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TopInfrared | Thermal Effect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topinfrared/id6452017744/reviews) | **[4.4 (155 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thermal-effect-night-camera/id6480454416/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 48 | **155** |
| Positive reviews | **39.7% of reviews** | 22.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 518 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HK TOPDON TECHNOLOGY Co., LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1846276192) | [Taalaibek Abakirov](https://appshunter.io/developer/1845047526) |

## What reviewers say

### TopInfrared

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/topinfrared/id6452017744)

This thermal imaging camera app provides high-resolution thermal images for precise temperature detection. It's ideal for inspecting insulation, examining electronics, and identifying heat loss with excellent accuracy and sensitivity.

**Highlights:** High-resolution thermal imaging (256x192), Precise temperature detection, Insulation inspection, Circuit board examination, High heat sensitivity (40mk), Low power consumption

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AI Features | $19.99 | one-time |


### 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 TopInfrared free?

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

### Is Thermal Effect free?

Thermal Effect is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, TopInfrared or Thermal Effect?

Thermal Effect is rated higher. TopInfrared averages 3.5 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Thermal Effect averages 4.4 from 155 ratings.

### Do TopInfrared or Thermal Effect have ads?

Neither TopInfrared nor Thermal Effect shows ads.

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

TopInfrared ships an update every 3 weeks, and Thermal Effect daily. Most recently, TopInfrared was updated on October 14, 2026 and Thermal Effect on October 10, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*