What Makes a Lightning Tracker App Good?
Not all lightning apps are equal. The differences come down to four things: the data source behind the map, how fast alerts arrive, the coverage area, and the cost. Some apps rely on community-sourced ground sensors. Others use commercial lightning detection networks. A few now use satellite data from NOAA's GOES-19 Geostationary Lightning Mapper.
The data source matters because ground networks only detect cloud-to-ground strikes, which account for roughly 20-25% of all lightning. Satellite-based detection captures all lightning types — including the 75-80% that occurs within or between clouds. For tracking storm development and approach, seeing the full picture is important.
App Comparison
| App | Data Source | Coverage | Alerts | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning Tracker | GOES-19 GLM (satellite) | Western Hemisphere | Push alerts | Yes (web free, app freemium) |
| WeatherBug | TOA Systems (ground) | US, Canada | Spark alerts | Yes (ads) |
| My Lightning Tracker | Blitzortung (community) | Global (variable density) | Push alerts | No ($3.99) |
| Storm Radar | Multiple sources | US, Europe | Severe weather alerts | Yes (ads, limited) |
| Blitzortung | Community sensors | Global (crowd-sourced) | None (web only) | Yes (web) |
Lightning Tracker
Lightning Tracker is the only app using NOAA GOES-19 GLM satellite data as its primary source. The GLM sensor operates at 500 frames per second from geostationary orbit and detects over 90% of all lightning events — including intra-cloud flashes invisible to ground networks.
The web version at lightningtracker.app provides free real-time lightning maps for all 50 US states with no ads. The iOS and Android apps add push alerts, city-level tracking, and storm approach notifications.
Advantage: Satellite detection sees the full storm picture, not just the ground strikes. This means you get earlier warning as storms develop — intra-cloud lightning typically precedes the first cloud-to-ground strike by 5-20 minutes.
Limitation: GOES-19 covers the Western Hemisphere only. If you need lightning data for Europe, Asia, or Africa, ground-based networks have better coverage in those regions.
WeatherBug
WeatherBug has been tracking lightning since 2005 through its proprietary TOA (Time of Arrival) ground network. Their "Spark" lightning alert system is well-established and reliable. The app includes full weather forecasts, radar, and severe weather warnings alongside lightning data.
Advantage: Mature product with two decades of data. Integrates lightning with full weather context. The "Dangerous Thunderstorm Alert" (DTA) combines lightning, wind, and hail data.
Limitation: Ground-only detection misses intra-cloud lightning. The app is ad-supported with a busy interface. Lightning-specific features are one component among many weather tools.
My Lightning Tracker
A popular paid app ($3.99) that uses Blitzortung community sensor data. Clean, focused interface with proximity-based push alerts. The map is straightforward — coloured dots for recent strikes, fading over time.
Advantage: Clean UI, focused on lightning specifically. One-time purchase, no subscription. Blitzortung data has decent global coverage, especially in Europe.
Limitation: Blitzortung relies on volunteer-operated sensors, so coverage quality varies by region. Rural areas and developing countries have sparse coverage. Detection efficiency is lower than commercial networks.
How to Choose
- Want satellite data that sees all lightning types: Lightning Tracker
- Want a full weather app with lightning included: WeatherBug
- Want a simple paid app with no ads: My Lightning Tracker
- Want free global coverage on the web: Blitzortung.org
- Want radar + lightning combined: Storm Radar
For more about how satellite lightning detection works, see our GOES-19 GLM deep dive. For safety guidance during storms, read our 10 lightning safety tips.