# Lightning Storm Simulator vs Real

The clearest difference is ads: Real at none against Lightning Storm Simulator's shown. Real also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning Storm Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases 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.

Lightning Storm Simulator ships an update every 6 weeks, Real every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning Storm Simulator | Real |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/real-time-lightning-by-mesosky/id6780237797/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **11** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 13 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Qvyshift LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1536442361) | [Robert Abraham](https://appshunter.io/developer/413734177) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightning Storm Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-storm-simulator/id6762096274)

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Halloween Sound Effects | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


### 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 Storm Simulator free?

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

### Is Real free?

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

### Do Lightning Storm Simulator or Real have ads?

Lightning Storm Simulator shows ads; Real does not.

### Which is updated more often, Lightning Storm Simulator or Real?

Lightning Storm Simulator ships an update every 6 weeks, and Real every 5 days. Most recently, Lightning Storm Simulator was updated on October 31, 2026 and Real on October 31, 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.*