# HackIllinois vs Illinois

The clearest difference is review sentiment: HackIllinois at 100% against Illinois's 11%. HackIllinois also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.7) and ads (none vs shown). Illinois's advantage is ratings volume (117 vs 32). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

HackIllinois holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32 and 117 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of HackIllinois's written reviews are positive against 11% of Illinois's.

HackIllinois ships an update daily, Illinois every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 5, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HackIllinois | Illinois |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackillinois/id1451755268/reviews)** | [2.7 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/illinois/id1476075513/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 32 | **117** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 10.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 46 MB | 124 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ACM UIUC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1200368579) | [University of Illinois](https://appshunter.io/developer/422670617) |

## What reviewers say

### HackIllinois

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hackillinois/id1451755268)

This app enhances the hackathon experience by providing event schedules, point-earning opportunities through QR scans and duels, and a shop for redeeming prizes. Users can track their progress, view rankings, and manage check-ins for food and events.

**Highlights:** Event schedule and details, Point system via QR scans and duels, Prize redemption in Point Shop, Personal progress and rank tracking, Event check-in functionality, Countdown timer for hacking

**In-app purchases:** none


### Illinois

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/illinois/id1476075513)

Navigate the University of Illinois with this comprehensive digital companion. Access class schedules, your student ID, campus maps, and event information. Utilize an AI assistant for university-related questions and discover wellness resources.

**Highlights:** Customizable home screen, Class schedules and locations, Digital student ID and bus pass, AI-powered university assistant, Interactive campus maps with amenities, Campus event listings, Wellness resources

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HackIllinois free?

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

### Is Illinois free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HackIllinois or Illinois?

HackIllinois is rated higher. HackIllinois averages 4.7 out of 5 from 32 ratings, while Illinois averages 2.7 from 117 ratings.

### Do HackIllinois or Illinois have ads?

Illinois shows ads; HackIllinois does not.

### Which is updated more often, HackIllinois or Illinois?

HackIllinois ships an update daily, and Illinois every 5 weeks. Most recently, HackIllinois was updated on June 5, 2026 and Illinois on September 26, 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.*