# Thunder Distance vs Lightning Tracker

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Thunder Distance at none against Lightning Tracker's 1. Thunder Distance also leads on ads (none vs shown) and device support (4 vs 1). Lightning Tracker's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 weeks). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning Tracker sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $0.99 per month. Thunder Distance asks for nothing beyond the download.

Thunder Distance ships an update every 2 weeks, Lightning Tracker every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Thunder Distance | Lightning Tracker |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-tracker-live-map/id6755661220/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Max Kievits](https://appshunter.io/developer/1462961534) | [Lightning Alerts Oy](https://appshunter.io/developer/1855340618) |

## What reviewers say

### Thunder Distance

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thunder-distance/id912135999)

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 | $0.99 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Thunder Distance free?

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

### Is Lightning Tracker free?

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

### Do Thunder Distance or Lightning Tracker have ads?

Lightning Tracker shows ads; Thunder Distance does not.

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

Thunder Distance ships an update every 2 weeks, and Lightning Tracker every 2 days. Most recently, Thunder Distance was updated on October 7, 2026 and Lightning Tracker on October 15, 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.*