# JoinLinks vs Stepping Forward LA

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Stepping Forward LA at none against JoinLinks's 3. Stepping Forward LA also leads on rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 90%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. JoinLinks sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Stepping Forward LA asks for nothing beyond the download.

Stepping Forward LA holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 40 and 47 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of JoinLinks's written reviews are positive against 100% of Stepping Forward LA's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | JoinLinks | Stepping Forward LA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (40 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joinlinks/id1667954026/reviews) | **[4.9 (47 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepping-forward-la/id6738879519/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 40 | **47** |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 246 MB | 82 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Join Links](https://appshunter.io/developer/1591282554) | [SFLA Test](https://appshunter.io/developer/1775425112) |

## What reviewers say

### JoinLinks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/joinlinks/id1667954026)

Easily make meaningful friendships in real life by discovering or creating local hangouts and interest-based communities. Connect with others through a live feed and dedicated group chats to build lasting connections.

**Highlights:** Discover local hangouts and events, Create your own hangouts, Join interest-based communities, Connect via live feed and group chats, Share memories in community photo vaults, Build real friendships

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| JoinLinks Plus 3 Months | $6.99 | per 3 months |
| JoinLinks Plus Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


### Stepping Forward LA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stepping-forward-la/id6738879519)

This app supports young adults transitioning out of foster care. It aims to empower them to achieve their full potential as they move into adulthood.

**Highlights:** Empower foster youth, Successful transition to adulthood, Reach full potential

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is JoinLinks free?

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

### Is Stepping Forward LA free?

Stepping Forward LA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, JoinLinks or Stepping Forward LA?

Stepping Forward LA is rated higher. JoinLinks averages 4.7 out of 5 from 40 ratings, while Stepping Forward LA averages 4.9 from 47 ratings.

### Do JoinLinks or Stepping Forward LA have ads?

Neither JoinLinks nor Stepping Forward LA shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, JoinLinks or Stepping Forward LA?

JoinLinks ships an update every 2 weeks, and Stepping Forward LA every 2 weeks. Most recently, JoinLinks was updated on September 30, 2026 and Stepping Forward LA on October 9, 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.*