# The Lantern Project vs LINQ Connect

The clearest difference is update cadence: LINQ Connect at every 2 weeks against The Lantern Project's every 3 months. LINQ Connect also leads on chart position (#139 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

The Lantern Project ships an update every 3 months, LINQ Connect every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on October 27, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Lantern Project | LINQ Connect |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.3 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linq-connect/id6443849490/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 7.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Best chart rank | — | **#139** |
| Size | 50 MB | 68 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [The Lantern Project inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1598224258) | [LINQ ERP](https://appshunter.io/developer/1590119103) |

## What reviewers say

### The Lantern Project

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-lantern-project/id1598224256)

**In-app purchases:** none


### LINQ Connect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/linq-connect/id6443849490)

**Currently charting:** #139 Top Free · Education (US App Store)

Easily manage your student's school meal accounts and payments from your phone. Check balances, add funds, view menus, and even apply for meal assistance securely.

**Highlights:** Check meal account balance, Add money to accounts, Purchase school store items, View school menu, Apply for free/reduced meals, Manage notifications

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 😃 Useful app
- 🤑 Easy to add funds

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🤖 Unintuitive interface
- 🤬 Excessive fees
- 🤯 Difficult to navigate
- 🤷‍♀️ Unreliable notifications

**Reported bugs**

- Login screen not loading
- Inability to access accounts
- Incorrect transaction dates
- Filters and menus not functioning

**Requested features**

- Ability to view monthly menu
- Option to save login credentials
- Integrate with mobile wallet apps
- Detailed transaction history


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Lantern Project free?

The Lantern Project is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is LINQ Connect free?

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

### Do The Lantern Project or LINQ Connect have ads?

Neither The Lantern Project nor LINQ Connect shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Lantern Project or LINQ Connect?

The Lantern Project ships an update every 3 months, and LINQ Connect every 2 weeks. Most recently, The Lantern Project was updated on October 27, 2026 and LINQ Connect on October 27, 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.*