# Translink vs YHA Explorer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: YHA Explorer at 92% against Translink's 4%. Translink's advantage is monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Translink ships an update every 2 months, YHA Explorer every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Translink | YHA Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.3 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/translink/id6504676908/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **4** | — |
| Positive reviews | 4.5% of reviews | **91.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 227 MB | 110 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.7 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Department of Transport and Main Roads](https://appshunter.io/developer/919723337) | [YHA](https://appshunter.io/developer/585060104) |

## What reviewers say

### Translink

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/translink/id6504676908)

Plan your public transport journeys across Queensland with real-time updates and personalized travel preferences. Navigate your trips with live directions and save your favorite routes for easy access.

**Highlights:** Real-time journey planning, Travel alerts, Live navigation, Save and share trips, Customizable travel preferences

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Responsive and good performance
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 👍 Much improved over previous app

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inaccurate real-time data and timetables
- 🤔 Cluttered and difficult to navigate
- 🔍 Address search function underperforming
- 🚫 Removal of useful features from old app

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes and errors
- Laggy and slow performance
- Incorrect route recommendations

**Requested features**

- Ability to search and view specific bus/train routes
- Option to save favorite stops and routes
- Integration with Go Card for seamless ticketing
- Widgets and Apple Watch app support
- Customizable trip planning and saved trips


### YHA Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yha-explorer/id6736601424)

Discover unique, affordable, and sustainable accommodations across Australia. Book stays, access digital room keys, and enjoy discounts with this travel companion. Connect with a community of travelers and explore local experiences.

**Highlights:** Discover unique accommodations, Instant savings and growing discounts, Digital room keys and online check-in, Personalized recommendations, Book local experiences and tours, Commitment to sustainability

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Translink free?

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

### Is YHA Explorer free?

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

### Do Translink or YHA Explorer have ads?

Neither Translink nor YHA Explorer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Translink or YHA Explorer?

Translink ships an update every 2 months, and YHA Explorer every 5 weeks. Most recently, Translink was updated on September 23, 2026 and YHA Explorer on September 22, 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.*