# The Hardware Connection vs Blueprint Lab

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: The Hardware Connection at none against Blueprint Lab's 2. The Hardware Connection also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0.0). Blueprint Lab's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 13 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Blueprint Lab sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. The Hardware Connection asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Hardware Connection ships an update every 13 months, Blueprint Lab fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Hardware Connection | Blueprint Lab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-hardware-connection/id567575910/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **5** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 90 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Hardware Connection](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642743492) | [stacy hanstad](https://appshunter.io/developer/1814718280) |

## What reviewers say

### The Hardware Connection

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-hardware-connection/id567575910)

This digital magazine offers independent hardware retailers and manufacturers insights to improve and grow their businesses. It provides a unique perspective from retailers within the industry, fostering interaction between readers, staff, and advertisers.

**Highlights:** Industry insights for retailers, Manufacturer perspectives, Strengthens distribution channels, Interactive digital format, Fresh retailer-driven viewpoints

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Blueprint Lab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blueprint-lab/id6745987891)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Montly Sub | $4.99 | per month |
| Annual Sub | $27.00 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Hardware Connection free?

The Hardware Connection is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Blueprint Lab free?

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

### Do The Hardware Connection or Blueprint Lab have ads?

Neither The Hardware Connection nor Blueprint Lab shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Hardware Connection or Blueprint Lab?

The Hardware Connection ships an update every 13 months, and Blueprint Lab fortnightly. Most recently, The Hardware Connection was updated on October 18, 2026 and Blueprint Lab on October 12, 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.*