Compare software

Thunder vs Alexandrite: catalog facts
Thunder	Alexandrite
Best for: Lemmy and PieFed users who want a native phone client	Best for: Lemmy users browsing on a desktop computer
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Android, iOS	Web, Self-hosted
Supports both Lemmy and PieFed One codebase for iOS and Android All 3 strengths for Thunder Supports both Lemmy and PieFed One codebase for iOS and Android Open source and actively developed	Layout designed for wide desktop screens Can be self-hosted with the included Dockerfile All 3 strengths for Alexandrite Layout designed for wide desktop screens Can be self-hosted with the included Dockerfile Works with existing Lemmy accounts
Mobile only, no desktop app Limited to Lemmy and PieFed rather than the wider fediverse	Lemmy only, no Mbin or PieFed support Not aimed at phones
Downloadable app	Web application, Self-hosted
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Thunder github.com/thunder-app/thunder play.google.com/store/apps/details apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/apk/com.hjiangsu.thunder apps.apple.com/us/app/thunder-for-lemmy/id6450518497 Catalog checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Alexandrite github.com/sheodox/alexandrite Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.