# LightningMaps vs Lightning on Map

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: LightningMaps at none against Lightning on Map's 2. LightningMaps also leads on ads (none vs shown). Lightning on Map's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 8 months) and iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16.4). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning on Map sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. LightningMaps asks for nothing beyond the download.

LightningMaps ships an update every 8 months, Lightning on Map every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | LightningMaps | Lightning on Map |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightningmaps/id6463732506/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 79 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andrii Rudenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1701313432) | [Bhakti Dave](https://appshunter.io/developer/1814080271) |

## What reviewers say

### LightningMaps

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightningmaps/id6463732506)

Pinpoint the exact location and distance of real-life lightning strikes using your phone's sensors. Simply tap when you see a flash and again when you hear thunder to instantly reveal the strike's coordinates. It's like having a personal lightning detector in your pocket.

**Highlights:** Pinpoint lightning strike locations, Measure distance to strikes, Intuitive tap-based interface, Real-time tracking, Safety guidelines included

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Lightning on Map

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-on-map-lr-tracker/id6745817510)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lightning Map One Week | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Lightning Map One Year | $44.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is LightningMaps free?

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

### Is Lightning on Map free?

Lightning on Map is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do LightningMaps or Lightning on Map have ads?

Lightning on Map shows ads; LightningMaps does not.

### Which is updated more often, LightningMaps or Lightning on Map?

LightningMaps ships an update every 8 months, and Lightning on Map every 4 days. Most recently, LightningMaps was updated on October 8, 2026 and Lightning on Map on October 3, 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.*