# Pilot 9 vs Pixel Squadron

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pixel Squadron at none against Pilot 9's 5. Pixel Squadron also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). Pilot 9's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pilot 9 sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Pixel Squadron asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pilot 9 ships an update every 6 weeks, Pixel Squadron monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pilot 9 | Pixel Squadron |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-9/id1115255482/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **14** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 505 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Craig Buck](https://appshunter.io/developer/1115255481) | [HSIANG-YU HUANG](https://appshunter.io/developer/1155900519) |

## What reviewers say

### Pilot 9

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pilot-9/id1115255482)

Engage in aerial combat as a pilot of advanced jet and helicopter fighters to thwart global domination. Select diverse aircraft, pilots, and gear to complete challenging missions and earn rewards for future battles.

**Highlights:** Pilot jet and helicopter fighters, Customizable vehicles with add-ons and skins, Upgradeable pilots for increased XP, Multiple levels and missions, In-game lottery and daily rewards, Multi-attribute vehicle rewards

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coin Pile | $0.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Cheddar | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tall Stacks! | $2.99 | one-time |
| Mint | $4.99 | one-time |


### Pixel Squadron

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-squadron-arcade-shmup/id6762539833)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pilot 9 free?

Pilot 9 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Pixel Squadron free?

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

### Do Pilot 9 or Pixel Squadron have ads?

Pixel Squadron shows ads; Pilot 9 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pilot 9 or Pixel Squadron?

Pilot 9 ships an update every 6 weeks, and Pixel Squadron monthly. Most recently, Pilot 9 was updated on October 24, 2026 and Pixel Squadron on October 20, 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.*