# Lightning Tracker vs Real

The clearest difference is ads: Real at none against Lightning Tracker's shown. Real also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (11 vs 2). Lightning Tracker's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 5 days). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning Tracker sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month and Real sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Lightning Tracker against 4.9 for Real. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Real has 11 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

Lightning Tracker ships an update every 2 days, Real every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 28, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning Tracker | Real |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-tracker-live-map/id6755661220/reviews)** | [4.9 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-time-lightning-by-mesosky/id6780237797/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **11** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 5 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 20 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Lightning Alerts Oy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1855340618) | [Robert Abraham](https://appshunter.io/developer/413734177) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightning Tracker

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-tracker-live-map/id6755661220)

This app provides real-time lightning strike data on a live map, offering alerts for nearby activity. It helps users plan outdoor activities and stay aware of approaching storms with detailed strike information and weather radar integration.

**Highlights:** Live lightning strike map, Nearby strike alerts, Ground and intracloud strike types, Weather radar integration, Closest strike distance and age, Optional monthly Pro subscription

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ad-free monthly | $2.99 | per month |


### Real

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-time-lightning-by-mesosky/id6780237797)

Track lightning strikes in real-time with live satellite data and high-definition radar. Get instant alerts when storms are near your location and customize notification settings for a clear, fast view of the sky.

**Highlights:** Live satellite lightning detection, High-definition radar overlay, Customizable strike bubble alerts, Color-coded strike intensity, Watch app with live map, Lock screen and home screen widgets

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all Features | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightning Tracker free?

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

### Is Real free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lightning Tracker or Real?

Lightning Tracker is rated higher. Lightning Tracker averages 5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while Real averages 4.9 from 11 ratings.

### Do Lightning Tracker or Real have ads?

Lightning Tracker shows ads; Real does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lightning Tracker or Real?

Lightning Tracker ships an update every 2 days, and Real every 5 days. Most recently, Lightning Tracker was updated on October 28, 2026 and Real on October 24, 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.*