# Textastic Code Editor vs Spectre VPN

The clearest difference is rating: Textastic Code Editor at 4.7 against Spectre VPN's 3.9. Textastic Code Editor also leads on ratings volume (2.5K vs 248) and chart position (#15 vs #91). Spectre VPN's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Textastic Code Editor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Spectre VPN asks for nothing beyond the download.

Textastic Code Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Textastic Code Editor has 2.5K ratings behind it against 248, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 69% and 68% positive.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Textastic Code Editor | Spectre VPN |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textastic-code-editor/id1049254261/reviews)** | [3.9 (248 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectre-vpn/id1508712998/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.5K** | 248 |
| Positive reviews | **68.9% of reviews** | 68.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#15** | #91 |
| Size | 26 MB | 136 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Blach](https://appshunter.io/developer/303486870) | [Passion Only](https://appshunter.io/developer/1508712997) |

## What reviewers say

### Textastic Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textastic-code-editor/id1049254261)

**Currently charting:** #15 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #40 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

A powerful text and code editor for mobile devices, offering syntax highlighting for over 80 languages, code completion, and formatting tools. It allows connection to various servers and cloud storage for seamless file management and editing.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 80+ languages, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and Dropbox client, Built-in SSH terminal, Code completion and formatting, External keyboard and trackpad support, Split View and Slide Over multitasking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Textastic Pro (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Textastic Pro (Yearly) | $19.99 | per year |
| Textastic Pro (One-Time) | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Highly performant
- 👍 Versatile and feature-rich
- 💡 Excellent integration with other apps (e.g. Working Copy)
- 👍 Customizable and intuitive UI
- 👍 Reliable and stable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🔒 Restrictive paywall for basic functionality
- 👎 Confusing file management and upload/download workflow
- 👎 Lack of modern code editing features (e.g. auto-indent, code folding)

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with SSH/SFTP connectivity and authentication
- Problems with handling large files or files with certain extensions
- Inconsistent text selection and editing behavior

**Requested features**

- Add support for more cloud storage providers (e.g. Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Implement a more seamless remote file editing and syncing workflow
- Improve code editing features like code folding, multi-cursor support, and code beautification
- Add a built-in terminal or ability to run code directly within the app


### Spectre VPN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spectre-vpn/id1508712998)

**Currently charting:** #91 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app provides secure internet access using Shadowsocks and Trojan protocols. It offers strong encryption to protect your privacy from third parties and features an intuitive design for ease of use. It is available for free.

**Highlights:** Shadowsocks and Trojan protocol support, Strong encryption for privacy, Lightweight and efficient proxy, Intuitive and simple design, Free to use

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Reliable and efficient app
- 🚀 Smooth and fast performance
- 🔒 Secure and trustworthy
- 💡 Lightweight and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Video loading issues
- 🐛 Connectivity problems after updates
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and timeouts
- 🔋 High battery consumption

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iOS 12.5.5 and older
- Incompatibility with certain devices and OS versions

**Requested features**

- Support for more protocols (e.g., VMess, VLESS, SSTP)
- Server sorting by ping/latency
- Websocket connection support
- Manual server configuration
- Multiple server import from clipboard


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Textastic Code Editor free?

Textastic Code Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Spectre VPN free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Textastic Code Editor or Spectre VPN?

Textastic Code Editor is rated higher. Textastic Code Editor averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.5K ratings, while Spectre VPN averages 3.9 from 248 ratings.

### Do Textastic Code Editor or Spectre VPN have ads?

Neither Textastic Code Editor nor Spectre VPN shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Textastic Code Editor or Spectre VPN?

Textastic Code Editor ships an update every 2 weeks, and Spectre VPN every 2 weeks. Most recently, Textastic Code Editor was updated on September 23, 2026 and Spectre VPN on September 24, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Textastic Code Editor or Spectre VPN?

Textastic Code Editor currently peaks at #15 in the App Store charts, and Spectre VPN at #91. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*