# Calc Engine vs Astro Pics

The clearest difference is rating: Calc Engine at 5.0 against Astro Pics's 4.4. Calc Engine also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 5 weeks) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Astro Pics's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 18). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Calc Engine sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Astro Pics sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Calc Engine holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 5 and 7 respectively.

Calc Engine ships an update daily, Astro Pics every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Calc Engine | Astro Pics |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calc-engine/id1061766849/reviews)** | [4.4 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-pics/id1084241387/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **7** |
| Positive reviews | — | 83.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 17 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [VersaEdge Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/301294952) | [Type440 LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/588229898) |

## What reviewers say

### Calc Engine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calc-engine/id1061766849)

A highly customizable calculator with advanced features like graphing, equation solving, and unit conversion. Design your own keyboards and functions to streamline your workflow across Apple devices.

**Highlights:** Customizable keyboard layouts, User-defined functions and constants, Live equation graphing, Equation solving, Extensive unit conversions, Programmer mode (hex, binary, octal), Cross-device syncing

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Calc Engine+ | $9.99 | one-time |


### Astro Pics

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astro-pics/id1084241387)

Explore stunning daily images of space with a beautiful photo viewer and automatic syncing across Apple devices. View breathtaking astronomy pictures on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch.

**Highlights:** Daily astronomy pictures, Favorites syncing, Apple Watch app, New photo viewer, Cross-device support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| AstroPics Premium | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Calc Engine free?

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

### Is Astro Pics free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Calc Engine or Astro Pics?

Calc Engine is rated higher. Calc Engine averages 5.0 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Astro Pics averages 4.4 from 7 ratings.

### Do Calc Engine or Astro Pics have ads?

Neither Calc Engine nor Astro Pics shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Calc Engine or Astro Pics?

Calc Engine ships an update daily, and Astro Pics every 5 weeks. Most recently, Calc Engine was updated on November 2, 2026 and Astro Pics on November 2, 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.*