Comparison

PDF Compressor vs Cortex Lantern

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

Head to head
About

PDF Compressor

Features
Read full description

Reduce PDF file size by up to 95% with PDF Compressor. Compress, merge, organize, and view PDF files in one simple app built for easy sharing, email attachments, cloud uploads, and storage. PDF Compressor helps you shrink large documents while keeping them clear and readable. Choose the right compression level for every file, from light optimization to maximum size reduction. Main Features β€’ Compress PDF files quickly β€’ Batch compress multiple PDF documents β€’ Merge multiple PDF files into one β€’ Merge and compress in one flow β€’ Choose simple compression levels: light, balanced, strong, or maximum β€’ Reduce scanned and image-heavy PDFs β€’ Convert PDFs to grayscale for smaller files β€’ Preview and view PDF documents in the app β€’ Reorder selected files before merging β€’ See before and after file sizes β€’ Keep compression history available offline β€’ Share optimized PDFs by email, messaging, cloud storage, or other apps For Work, Study, and Everyday Documents Use PDF Compressor for invoices, reports, contracts, forms, study notes, scanned documents, receipts, and any large PDF that needs to be easier to send or store. Fast, Private, and Simple Your files are processed securely and automatically deleted after processing. No account is required to start using the app. Subscription Details Subscription auto-renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can cancel anytime in Settings. Payment is charged to your Apple ID upon confirmation. Support: support@pdfcompressor.cloud Privacy Policy: https://pdfcompressor.cloud/legal/privacy Terms (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

Cortex Lantern

Features
Read full description

Cortex Lantern is a brain training app and focus timer designed to help you rebuild your attention span and build deep work habits β€” with a glowing cortex visual that responds to your session in real time. REAL-TIME BRAIN VISUALISATION Start a focus sprint and watch your cortex β€œlight up” as you work. The live brain animation keeps you engaged and present β€” so focus feels like training, not willpower. TRAIN 5 COGNITIVE PATHWAYS (NEUROSCIENCE-GROUNDED FRAMEWORK) Choose the Pathway that matches what you’re doing right now: β€’ Deep Work β€” Prefrontal cortex (focus & control) β€’ Creative β€” Default mode network (ideas & connections) β€’ Learning β€” Hippocampus (memory & new skills) β€’ Problem-Solving β€” Frontal-parietal network (logic & decisions) β€’ Communication β€” Language hubs (expression & understanding) YOUR ATTENTION SPAN SCOREBOARD See focus time, Glow Points, streaks, and progress at a glance β€” so you always know you’re improving. STREAKS, REWARDS + VISUAL UNLOCKS Turn consistency into momentum: β€’ Daily and weekly streaks β€’ Session history and progress tracking β€’ Achievements and level-ups β€’ Visual unlocks that reward practice SHARE YOUR STREAK Export a premium share card to celebrate wins and make progress visible. FREE VS PRO Start free with core brain training and Deep Work. Upgrade to Pro to unlock all pathways, richer insights, more visual unlocks, and deeper progress tracking. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. You can manage and cancel subscriptions in your App Store account settings. PERFECT FOR β€’ Founders and knowledge workers β€’ Creators and writers β€’ Students and lifelong learners β€’ Anyone rebuilding their attention span and wanting something premium β€” built for focus. PRIVACY-FIRST Cortex Lantern is not a medical device. It is a visual focus training experience designed to support better habits. Your sessions and stats stay private to you. Privacy Policy: https://cortexlantern.app/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Built in England by creator and founder Sisi N β€” made for anyone tired of tab-hopping, notifications, and β€œone more scroll”.

Screenshots

PDF Compressor4 screens
Cortex Lantern4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cortex Lantern at daily against PDF Compressor's fortnightly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. PDF Compressor sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $8.99 per month and Cortex Lantern sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PDF Compressor ships an update fortnightly, Cortex Lantern daily. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
PDF Compressor versus Cortex Lantern: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPDF CompressorCortex Lantern
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyDaily β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.1
Further details β€” not scored
Size48 MB44 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSoufiane BouzianeThe UGC Playbook LTD

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PDF Compressor

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Subscription$8.991 Month
  • Yearly Subscription$39.991 Year
2 purchases

Cortex Lantern

Subscriptions2
  • Cortex Lantern Pro$5.991 Month
  • Cortex Lantern Pro Annual$59.991 Year

Questions

Is PDF Compressor free?
PDF Compressor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cortex Lantern free?
Cortex Lantern is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PDF Compressor or Cortex Lantern have ads?
Neither PDF Compressor nor Cortex Lantern shows ads.
Which is updated more often, PDF Compressor or Cortex Lantern?
PDF Compressor ships an update fortnightly, and Cortex Lantern daily. Most recently, PDF Compressor was updated on October 7, 2026 and Cortex Lantern on September 26, 2026.

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