# AlterLock vs ResearchCalc

The clearest difference is ads: AlterLock at none against ResearchCalc's shown. ResearchCalc's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. AlterLock sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and ResearchCalc sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

AlterLock ships an update every 2 months, ResearchCalc every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AlterLock | ResearchCalc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alterlock/id1418389534/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 87 MB | 47 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NEXTSCAPE INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/434362565) | [Akira Sugiyama](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896605311) |

## What reviewers say

### AlterLock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alterlock/id1418389534)

This app pairs with a theft prevention device to monitor your vehicle. It offers loud alarms, smartphone notifications, and GPS tracking to deter theft and provide location updates. Manage vehicle details, device settings, and track your assets with peace of mind.

**Highlights:** Movement-detection alarm, Smartphone notifications, Independent communication, Advanced GPS tracking, Vehicle registration, Device settings adjustment, Map-based location history

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Plan | $3.99 | per month |
| Annual Plan | $39.95 | per year |


### ResearchCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/researchcalc/id6768794176)

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Unlock | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AlterLock free?

AlterLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ResearchCalc free?

ResearchCalc is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do AlterLock or ResearchCalc have ads?

ResearchCalc shows ads; AlterLock does not.

### Which is updated more often, AlterLock or ResearchCalc?

AlterLock ships an update every 2 months, and ResearchCalc every 3 weeks. Most recently, AlterLock was updated on October 19, 2026 and ResearchCalc on October 8, 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.*