# AIM vs Planet Builder

The clearest difference is ads: AIM at none against Planet Builder's shown. AIM also leads on update cadence (daily vs every 6 weeks) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for AIM against 5.0 for Planet Builder. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 2 respectively.

AIM ships an update daily, Planet Builder every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | AIM | Planet Builder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aim-space-challenge/id1124822498/reviews) | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planet-builder-space-tycoon/id6764162327/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 2 | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Daily** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 452 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ESA - European Space Agency](https://appshunter.io/developer/429660009) | [James Biser](https://appshunter.io/developer/1475326846) |

## What reviewers say

### AIM

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aim-space-challenge/id1124822498)

Embark on a mission to save Earth from an asteroid by traveling to the past. Build a space center, conduct research on asteroids, and use your findings to deflect the threat. Engage in mini-games and strategic building to complete your vital task.

**Highlights:** Build and upgrade space center buildings, Conduct asteroid research, Play mission-based mini-games, Launch satellites, Deflect future asteroid threats, Save the Earth

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Planet Builder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planet-builder-space-tycoon/id6764162327)

A relaxing strategy game where you guide a planet's evolution from its beginnings to a thriving civilization. Make daily choices to manage resources, build generators for passive income, and expand your empire across a solar system with other players.

**Highlights:** Resource management for planetary evolution, Build passive income generators, Multiplayer solar system interaction, Empire building through world retirement, Daily challenges and bonuses, Day/night cycle bonuses

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is AIM free?

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

### Is Planet Builder free?

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

### Which has better reviews, AIM or Planet Builder?

AIM and Planet Builder are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 2 ratings respectively.

### Do AIM or Planet Builder have ads?

Planet Builder shows ads; AIM does not.

### Which is updated more often, AIM or Planet Builder?

AIM ships an update daily, and Planet Builder every 6 weeks. Most recently, AIM was updated on October 25, 2026 and Planet Builder on October 24, 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.*