Comparison

StarThing vs EQLink

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

StarThing

Features
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StarThing makes device management more convenient A one-stop management platform for equipment, inventory, customers, and sales data makes equipment management more convenient and site operation simpler. Introduction: StarThing APP is an intelligent management platform designed for various categories of self-service devices, including entertainment, lifestyle, retail, and travel.With just one mobile phone, you can easily manage all your devices, monitor their status, real-time inventory, sales figures, and interact efficiently with your customers.Our goal is to significantly reduce merchants' operating costs, substantially improve management efficiency, and allow you to focus more time and money on business growth. - All-category equipment management - Multi-category support: It is perfectly compatible with various equipment types, such as entertainment machines, life service equipment, and retail vending machines, including claw machines, washing machines, self-service vending machines, and self-service coffee machines, and can be managed uniformly on one platform. - Real-time status monitoring:Remotely monitor equipment status and fault status, receive instant fault warnings and rapid response to ensure uninterrupted business operations and make things easier for merchants. - Remote control and settings: It supports remote operation and parameter adjustment of equipment, greatly increasing management efficiency. - Smart Inventory and Sales - Inventory is clearly displayed: Product inventory and equipment sales data are synchronized in real time and automatically deducted. - Clear data reports: By analyzing data and generating reports based on multiple dimensions such as store, time period, and equipment, operational results are readily apparent, aiding in precise decision-making. - Customer Interaction and Growth - Membership management tools: It supports marketing functions such as membership points, recharge discounts, and package deals, directly boosting revenue growth. - Mobile collaborative office - More convenient management: Breaking the limitations of time and space, bosses, store managers, and employees can handle business anytime, anywhere via their mobile phones. - Flexible role and permission configuration: It allows setting corresponding operating permissions for employees in different positions, making responsibilities clear and management more standardized. - Language barrier - StarThing offers multiple language versions, ensuring a seamless experience when using our services. - Privacy and Support - We highly value your data security and privacy; all data transmissions are encrypted. - For any assistance or valuable suggestions, please feel free to contact us through the in-app "Feedback" or official customer service channels. Every piece of feedback you provide is a driving force for our improvement. - Our mission: Make devices smarter and life better. For more information about StarThing, please visit: https://global.starthing.com

About

EQLink

Features
Read full description

EQLink provides flexible, secure, and convenient cashless solutions designed for the global self-service industry. Whether it's for laundromats, vending machines, self-service gyms, or other smart devices, EQLink enables seamless digital transformation for your business. Key Features: Supports various electronic payment methods (credit cards, e-wallets, local payment apps, etc.) Scan or Tap and pay instantly — no complicated registration required View transaction history in real-time Multi-language support for a global user experience Real-time device status updates Merchant account management portal Applicable Scenarios: Laundromats Vending Machine Vending kiosks Self-service gyms Smart shared devices (e.g., massage chairs, Game machine) Equipment in hotels, schools, office buildings, and more Why Choose EQLink?: Easy integration and fast deployment Encrypted data transmission ensuring secure payments Global deployment in multiple countries and regions Professional technical support and continuous updates For details, please visit https://eqlink.top/

Screenshots

StarThing3 screens
EQLink4 screens

Verdict

The call

StarThing and EQLink are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

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

UpkeepUpdate frequency

StarThing ships an update every 6 weeks, EQLink every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
StarThing versus EQLink: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStarThingEQLink
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 5 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size5 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSTARTHING PTE. LTD.Qingdao EQLink Technology Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

None

StarThing

No in-app purchases

None

EQLink

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is StarThing free?
StarThing is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is EQLink free?
EQLink is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do StarThing or EQLink have ads?
Neither StarThing nor EQLink shows ads.
Which is updated more often, StarThing or EQLink?
StarThing ships an update every 6 weeks, and EQLink every 5 weeks. Most recently, StarThing was updated on September 10, 2026 and EQLink on September 28, 2026.

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