# StrikeCast vs Lightning Tracker & Thunder

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Lightning Tracker & Thunder at none against StrikeCast's 3. Lightning Tracker & Thunder also leads on update cadence (every 2 days vs every 4 days). StrikeCast's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. StrikeCast sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Lightning Tracker & Thunder asks for nothing beyond the download.

StrikeCast ships an update every 4 days, Lightning Tracker & Thunder every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on September 14, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StrikeCast | Lightning Tracker & Thunder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strikecast-lightning-tracker/id6779354721/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **2** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 63 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kirill Proskurin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896493011) | [Feynman EinsteinAI Note Taker OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1782064427) |

## What reviewers say

### StrikeCast

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/strikecast-lightning-tracker/id6779354721)

This app provides real-time lightning strike distance and live alerts on a map. Save locations to receive notifications when lightning is detected nearby, even when you're away. It offers a clean interface with no ad clutter.

**Highlights:** Real-time lightning strike distance, Live map of lightning activity, Customizable alerts for saved locations, Distance in miles or kilometers, Approaching and moving-away trends (Pro), Animated weather radar (Pro)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| StrikeCast Pro | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| StrikeCast Pro | $12.99 | per month |
| Lightning Tracker: Distance Pro | $33.99 | per year |


### Lightning Tracker & Thunder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-tracker-and-thunder/id6797213318)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StrikeCast free?

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

### Is Lightning Tracker & Thunder free?

Lightning Tracker & Thunder is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do StrikeCast or Lightning Tracker & Thunder have ads?

Neither StrikeCast nor Lightning Tracker & Thunder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StrikeCast or Lightning Tracker & Thunder?

StrikeCast ships an update every 4 days, and Lightning Tracker & Thunder every 2 days. Most recently, StrikeCast was updated on September 14, 2026 and Lightning Tracker & Thunder on September 24, 2026.

---

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