# micro vs NetSupport Browser

micro and NetSupport Browser are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

micro ships an update every 7 months, NetSupport Browser every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | micro | NetSupport Browser |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (89 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microbit/id1092687276/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **89** | — |
| Positive reviews | 43.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 7 months** | Every 9 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 59 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Micro:bit Educational Foundation](https://appshunter.io/developer/1484783422) | [NetSupport Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/447583619) |

## What reviewers say

### micro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/microbit/id1092687276)

This app is the essential companion for the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized programmable computer. It allows you to wirelessly beam programs to your micro:bit via Bluetooth and includes access to a block-based programming editor. Monitor sensor data and control your micro:bit in real-time.

**Highlights:** Wireless flashing of micro:bit hex files, Access to Microsoft MakeCode editor, Bluetooth beaming of programs, Real-time sensor data monitoring, Control micro:bit buttons and pins, Debug running program code, Store and manage HEX files

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use and quick to set up
- 💻 Allows coding on mobile devices
- 🎓 Great for learning and education
- ⚡ Fast download and installation
- 🔧 Works well once properly configured

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent Bluetooth pairing failures
- 🐛 App crashes during code flashing
- 🐛 Connection drops after flashing
- 📱 Poor optimization for phone screens
- 🔌 Requires frequent device reconnection

**Reported bugs**

- Bluetooth pairing fails or shows false success
- App crashes when flashing code to micro:bit
- Connection lost after code flashing
- White screen display issue
- Login fails with Google accounts

**Requested features**

- Offline mode for iOS
- Integrated IDE in app instead of Safari redirect
- Support for multiple languages
- Persistent Bluetooth connection after flashing
- Mute audio functionality


### NetSupport Browser

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/netsupport-browser/id1448383679)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is micro free?

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

### Is NetSupport Browser free?

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

### Do micro or NetSupport Browser have ads?

Neither micro nor NetSupport Browser shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, micro or NetSupport Browser?

micro ships an update every 7 months, and NetSupport Browser every 9 months. Most recently, micro was updated on September 19, 2026 and NetSupport Browser on September 16, 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.*