# HKUST Research vs Shor's algorithm

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HKUST Research at none against Shor's algorithm's 3. HKUST Research also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 6 months) and iOS requirement (12.4 vs 16.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shor's algorithm sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. HKUST Research asks for nothing beyond the download.

HKUST Research ships an update every 2 months, Shor's algorithm every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HKUST Research | Shor's algorithm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkust-research/id1360149546/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 21 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 16.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/332536363) | [Sungjun Kim](https://appshunter.io/developer/1602461985) |

## What reviewers say

### HKUST Research

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkust-research/id1360149546)

This app serves as a platform for researchers to find and receive reminders about research-related information. It aims to streamline access to important academic data and updates.

**Highlights:** Research information search, Research-related reminders, Platform for researchers, Access academic data

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Shor's algorithm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shors-algorithm/id6472044082)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| coffee | $0.99 | one-time |
| latte | $4.99 | one-time |
| whopper set | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HKUST Research free?

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

### Is Shor's algorithm free?

Shor's algorithm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do HKUST Research or Shor's algorithm have ads?

Neither HKUST Research nor Shor's algorithm shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HKUST Research or Shor's algorithm?

HKUST Research ships an update every 2 months, and Shor's algorithm every 6 months. Most recently, HKUST Research was updated on October 6, 2026 and Shor's algorithm on September 28, 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.*