# HKUST iLearn vs protostar

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: HKUST iLearn at none against protostar's 1. HKUST iLearn also leads on ads (none vs shown) and device support (3 vs 1). protostar's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 14 months). On price and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. protostar sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HKUST iLearn asks for nothing beyond the download.

HKUST iLearn ships an update every 14 months, protostar every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on June 24, 2026 and June 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HKUST iLearn | protostar |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protostar/id1504821938/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | 11.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 14 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 16 MB | 155 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | **10** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology](https://appshunter.io/developer/332536363) | [Longzhe Education Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1504821937) |

## What reviewers say

### HKUST iLearn

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hkust-ilearn/id954203479)

Access essential learning applications used at HKUST, including Canvas, SFQ, and PRS. This app provides a convenient portal to your academic resources.

**Highlights:** Instant access to learning apps, Includes Canvas, Includes SFQ, Includes PRS, Designed for HKUST students

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### protostar

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/protostar/id1504821938)

This educational app is designed for students aged 7-12, offering a platform for watching learning videos and playing interactive games. It is exclusively for users of the protostar education company and is available on iPad.

**Highlights:** Learning videos, Educational games, Preview content, Review content, Designed for ages 7-12

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Protostar English Course | $299.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HKUST iLearn free?

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

### Is protostar free?

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

### Do HKUST iLearn or protostar have ads?

protostar shows ads; HKUST iLearn does not.

### Which is updated more often, HKUST iLearn or protostar?

HKUST iLearn ships an update every 14 months, and protostar every 3 weeks. Most recently, HKUST iLearn was updated on June 24, 2026 and protostar on June 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.*