# Lantern vs LightDrop

The clearest difference is iOS requirement: Lantern at 12.0 against LightDrop's 15.0. On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lantern sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and LightDrop sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Lantern ships an update weekly, LightDrop every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lantern | LightDrop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 200 MB | 145 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [iqbal kpekpassi fofana](https://appshunter.io/developer/1784027951) | [Aydin Valiyev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706836478) |

## What reviewers say

### Lantern

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lantern-the-game/id6739170710)

Navigate treacherous platforms, collect flames, and keep your lantern burning in this action platformer. Unlock new character skins and lantern colors as you progress through challenging levels and dynamic environments. Discover a secret bonus stage upon completing all levels.

**Highlights:** Skillful platforming gameplay, Collect flames to progress, Unlock character skins and lantern colors, Navigate treacherous traps and obstacles, Explore dynamic environments, Access secret bonus stage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| coin_500 | $0.99 | one-time |
| coin_3000 | $3.99 | one-time |
| coin_10000 | $8.99 | one-time |
| coin_50000 | $29.99 | one-time |


### LightDrop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lightdrop-survive/id6749264906)

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| +250 batteries | $0.99 | one-time |
| +750 batteries | $1.99 | one-time |
| REMOVE FORCED ADS | $2.99 | one-time |
| +2500 batteries | $3.99 | one-time |
| +10000 batteries | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lantern free?

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

### Is LightDrop free?

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

### Do Lantern or LightDrop have ads?

Both Lantern and LightDrop show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lantern or LightDrop?

Lantern ships an update weekly, and LightDrop every 4 days. Most recently, Lantern was updated on October 7, 2026 and LightDrop 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.*