BlitzortungLive Reviews

by Ham Radio Geek

All notifications set to on, and zero updates. Zero lightning strikes. I have better updates through other programs. Really making me think I don’t want to spend the money to get the detector. You can’t make it show up in your app, I don’t need to fork out the money for the detector. Last two days we have had severe thunderstorms, I have had zero updates. Strike counter at zero as I’m watching it happen in real time. You may want to pass this one up.

by Lightning Lady

I’ve had BlitzortungLive for years and it worked great until about 6 months ago. I would have rated it 5 stars back then. I’m only doing this because BlitzortungLive asked me for a rating. I’ve checked everything on my end and all notifications and sound buttons are on. I even increased the distance to the max, but still nothing. Maybe the developer needs to do an update.

by Dralphesq

Ridiculous No useful data at all has been produced here in central New York State. The interface is so sparse and lacking that the only result is frustration. "Spark," a product found in the WeatherBug, reliably produces accessible graphical and distance to point. I had hoped for better from BlitzortungLive. But, got nothing from it. Good luck to you all, I hope you get something useful back. I got zero. A waste of time and device memory. Life is short. Go elsewhere.

by Kplan23

You asked for a review so here it is.
I gave BlitzortungLive another year after my last 1 star review. We’ve had some pretty impressive lighting storms come this spring and summer, yet I’ve never gotten a Push Notification. I have a similar lightning app that shows hundreds of lightning strikes within the same geofence. I have several weather apps that show lightning strikes and send Push Notifications while BlitzortungLive sends no notifications and shows nothing on the map.

by Myers40k

Have been a long time user of BlitzortungLive on both my work iPhone 6S and more recently on my personal iPhone X. In the last two iOS updates the alerts have stopped working and the detection has all but stopped. Using the website is much more accurate in comparison to BlitzortungLive which is unfortunate because I have really enjoyed it. I hope a future update will correct these issues and get it back to working like it did.

by Rock N Ice

Great concept of a an app and works well when connected to a cellular network. For some reason though my app will not display lightening strikes when it is connected to WiFi. Also the alert system does not work either. I have it set up to deliver alerts when lightening is 50 mi away but it never send the alerts. This could be another issue with WiFi connection as well. If that problem was fixed I would give 5 stars.

by Yeet Your Fetus

The lightning sensors are all generally correct and accurate but they have blind spots because they run on personal detectors from random people and are allowed to feed it in. If there isn’t a detector in your area you may not see anything but besides that a great app

by Mark Ingalls

The data in BlitzortungLive is pretty good, though users should be aware that as this data is provided by a grassroots network, it does not cover all areas. I watched lightning strike a mountain in east Idaho and had it on the map before the thunder got here (and minutes before RadarScope).

As far as BlitzortungLive itself goes, it is certainly functional, but could use some work. Thus far I have not been notified for a lightning strike within my set range, and when you zoom in and out the map struggles to load older lightning strikes.

It would be nice to be able to center on my location, or to be able to set the alert to always be at my location.

It would also be cool if BlitzortungLive used the same map as is available on their website, instead of using Apple Maps.

All in all, definitely worth it, but if you want dependable functionality probably just use the website. I look forward to seeing updates that improve BlitzortungLive.

by Dafekt1ve

Like the features that come with BlitzortungLive like text alerts within a user-defined range from a point you define. Works well for going to the pool or baseball games. It could have more features, but it does what it says it should do. In the mountains, BlitzortungLive doesn't work as well likely due to blockage from the mountains to the detectors. Otherwise, quite pleased.

by Luvin' Dem Apps

The lightening data presented is solid and TIMELY (how do they do that?)!

There is a serious lack, however, of explanation for the meaning of the data 'dots' that show up on the map. The dots come in two colors, three sizes, and stick around for varying lengths of time before disappearing. I'm sure all these details are based on objective facts about the lightening event.
It just would be nice to know those details. A single 'help' page with a verbal discussion would help, or a page that shows the various dots with their meaning would be even better.

Great app, easy to use - just needs a tweak.
Thanks!

by Milotap

Love that it will push a warning before thunder arrives... sometimes. Could be operator error, but there are times it pushes the lightning notification and others times it does not. Other than that, it really is a very cool app and I can definitely recommend a download for anybody who enjoys weather.

by J_in_orf

The speed of the network and the accuracy of the data are both second to none. Unfortunately, trying to select individual strikes and view the data related to them is next to impossible.

by ChunkMunk01

About as much as you can ask for an app that sources data from crowd sourced lightning recording. Lacks a bit in fit and finish, but incredibly useful nonetheless.

by Gumri

BlitzortungLive is incredible with its ability to advise exactly where lightening strikes are happening, i.e. actual locations on a customizable map, the frequency of strikes, the magnitude & even the ages of strikes. So many customizable settings with great visuals & audible alerts.
Taught us so much about the Lightening-Thunder phenomenon. Blitzortung is not only an educational fun tool, but one which can early warn of potential dangers from strikes, telling us, “hey it’s time to get inside & take shelter”.
We’ve used it for 2 years now & count on BlitzortungLive as our Thunderstorm forewarning. If you’re a boater, golfer or just like exploring the great outdoors, it’s indispensable.
The visual maps & the ability to customize notifications is incredibly helpful. We just love BlitzortungLive.

by GrrrlyGrrl

First note — I travel between Italy (Rome area) and the USA California and now Tennessee. I keep tabs on my home in the US when I’m gone, to assess and warn family. I have been using BlitzortungLive at least 5 years. It works GREAT for all of my uses. I read some other reviews about WiFi issues, or location issues. ALL WORKS FOR ME!! Yes, I’m shouting in that way because I think BlitzortungLive is stupendous. In Italy we’ve had bad storms run thru, and lightning issues. BlitzortungLive helped me see that pattern as it was happening, so my guy and I knew and could prepare. Additionally it gives me a sense of calm to see it when there’s a big storm going through where my elderly parents live. It’s the best app I’ve found, for free, vs others for free. In fact, when I looked at sources for others, it was BlitzortungLive. Haha, that was a winner for me.

by BusyGuy5

Shows strikes in, truly, real time. Just a few seconds lag. Map is pretty accurate also. Great app if your job can hang on being ready for lightning damage. Cannot stop the damage of course, but does alert you lightning is on the way.

by Japharl

Great app that lets me know when thunderstorms are around my home. The notification feature is great to lower you know storms are coming. BlitzortungLive is slightly quirky on the interface side, but it is straight forward to figure out after a little practice.

by EXTRA-ECCLESIAM-NULLA-SALUS

Does what it says, and well. And here’s the deal, what this really useful app does for free, all of the other weather apps charge you up to nine bucks a year to do in a subscription! I have three other weather apps the charge additional fees to have the benefit of lightning alerts, and I keep BlitzortungLive on as well, and it saves me tons of money!
Cheers!

by Blade Grinder

I have had the this app app for quite some time and could not be more pleased. The alarm system is perfect and first rate when hazardous weather is present. I live in “Tornado Alley” where we have been hit with 3 disastrous storm in the past, the last only a year ago. With the this app during and before the last tornado, I knew I had a superb weather alert, tracker and device that gives much more that just a radar image. I highly recommend this app and would urge anyone, especially in areas of potentially bad weather to install it. And it is global! Thanks

by IronBill

I do a lot of outdoor work and sports that require me to be aware of impending weather issues. Anytime I receive a weather warning from NWS I open BlitzortungLive and start monitoring for lightning. The fact it is near real time makes it invaluable for people involved in outdoor work and play.

by Mr.downtown

You will NOT find a better live bolt tracker and free at that !! Get it and set up notifications. You can actually hear the thunder and see the notifications at nearly the same time. AMAZING APP.

by BINK42

I like this site. Tells me when the worst is to come. I’m not sure the sound ring Is accurate, but fun and interesting to watch and keep up with the storms. Get it if you like weather sites.

by John Small Berries

I have been using BlitzortungLive to track the occasional lightning we get in SoCal but also when we are on the road. The data flow from the detection network to BlitzortungLive is pretty impressively fast. BlitzortungLive is pretty basic but very usable and fast without having to dig through options to get to the display

by 102pr77

I use Blitzortung for assessing lightning / storm locations and activities in connection with flight planning. The information available through it is almost always as good or better than similar information through subscription services, is as or more up to date, and has much better geographical coverage, including close up. The developer and his group are to be commended and thanked for providing BlitzortungLive and this service, and continuing to improve them.

by CE4WVU

Being an amateur radio operator, this has come in handy. Helps with showing you if lightning is nearby, or determining where static crashes might be on 80 meters.

This is also a "must have" app for you bikers, hikers and sports nuts.