# Lightning Simulator vs Rest

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Rest at none against Lightning Simulator's 2. Rest also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Lightning Simulator's advantage is ratings volume (101 vs 2). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lightning Simulator sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Rest asks for nothing beyond the download.

Rest holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Lightning Simulator has 101 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Lightning Simulator ships an update every 4 months, Rest fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning Simulator | Rest |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-simulator/id930358531/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rest-thunderstorm-asmr-sounds/id1557520241/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **101** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 86.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 42 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **14.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Foxbit Software Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/919379298) | [Anil Macwan](https://appshunter.io/developer/1557520243) |

## What reviewers say

### Lightning Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-simulator/id930358531)

Simulate a lightning storm with visual effects using your device's backlight and LED flash, accompanied by realistic thunder audio. Customize storm distance and set sleep timers for a unique ambiance.

**Highlights:** Backlight and LED flash simulation, Realistic thunder audio, 5 unique storm types, Customizable storm distance, Adjustable sleep timers

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Storm Expansion Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Lightning Pro | $1.99 | one-time |


### Rest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rest-thunderstorm-asmr-sounds/id1557520241)

This app offers a collection of audiovisual mantras designed to promote relaxation and improve sleep. Its minimalistic interface helps users focus on calming nature sounds and visuals to reduce anxiety and enhance mindfulness practices.

**Highlights:** Audiovisual mantras, Nature soundscapes, Minimalistic design, Relaxation aid, Sleep enhancement, Mindfulness tool

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lightning Simulator free?

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

### Is Rest free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lightning Simulator or Rest?

Rest is rated higher. Lightning Simulator averages 4.8 out of 5 from 101 ratings, while Rest averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Lightning Simulator or Rest have ads?

Neither Lightning Simulator nor Rest shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lightning Simulator or Rest?

Lightning Simulator ships an update every 4 months, and Rest fortnightly. Most recently, Lightning Simulator was updated on October 23, 2026 and Rest on October 6, 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.*