# Lightning Simulator vs MutLab

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MutLab at none against Lightning Simulator's 2. MutLab also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Lightning Simulator ships an update every 4 months, MutLab every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on August 6, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lightning Simulator | MutLab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightning-simulator/id930358531/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **101** | — |
| Positive reviews | 86.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 42 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Foxbit Software Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/919379298) | [Mutlab](https://appshunter.io/developer/1363984051) |

## 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 |


### MutLab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mutlab/id1576343740)

**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 MutLab free?

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

### Do Lightning Simulator or MutLab have ads?

Neither Lightning Simulator nor MutLab shows ads.

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

Lightning Simulator ships an update every 4 months, and MutLab every 2 months. Most recently, Lightning Simulator was updated on August 6, 2026 and MutLab on September 21, 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.*