# PenlaSync vs Hotaru

The clearest difference is ads: Hotaru at none against PenlaSync's shown. Hotaru also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

PenlaSync ships an update fortnightly, Hotaru every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PenlaSync | Hotaru |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 6 days** |
| Size | 6 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, Apple Watch** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BYNET](https://appshunter.io/developer/1811735131) | [KARABINA, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895509103) |

## What reviewers say

### PenlaSync

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/penlasync-penlight-sync/id6761209224)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hotaru

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotaru-live-penlight/id6768536121)

**Features:** Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PenlaSync free?

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

### Is Hotaru free?

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

### Do PenlaSync or Hotaru have ads?

PenlaSync shows ads; Hotaru does not.

### Which is updated more often, PenlaSync or Hotaru?

PenlaSync ships an update fortnightly, and Hotaru every 6 days. Most recently, PenlaSync was updated on October 18, 2026 and Hotaru on October 11, 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.*