# Phoenix 2 vs Cold Space

The clearest difference is ads: Cold Space at none against Phoenix 2's shown. Cold Space also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). Phoenix 2's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (26K vs 3). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Phoenix 2 sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Cold Space sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Phoenix 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Phoenix 2 has 26K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Phoenix 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, Cold Space weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Phoenix 2 | Cold Space |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689/reviews)** | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cold-space/id1447154434/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 73.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 295 MB | 147 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Firi Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/361212278) | [Evil Grog Games GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1265787202) |

## What reviewers say

### Phoenix 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/phoenix-2/id1134895689)

Blast through waves of alien invaders in this classic arcade space shooter. Collect and upgrade over 100 unique ships, complete exciting missions, and compete on global leaderboards. Enjoy short game sessions or an action-packed campaign with stunning graphics.

**Highlights:** Over 100 unique ships, Ship collection and upgrades, Action-packed campaign, Special abilities, Daily missions, Global leaderboards, Cross-platform play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 800 Credits | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Credits | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| VIP | $4.99 | one-time |
| 12000 Credits | $9.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| 25000 Credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $19.99 | one-time |
| 65000 Credits | $49.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer | $49.99 | one-time |
| 140K Credits | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fantastic mobile game
- 🚀 Incredibly fun and addictive
- 🚀 Best bullet hell game on the phone
- 🚀 Easily the best bullet hell I've played
- 🚀 Amazing game for on the go fun

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Great Gameplay Ruined by Frustrating Ad Experience
- 💰 Supers aren't well implemented
- 💰 Micro-transactions too much
- 💰 Progression limited, hard to earn credits
- 🐛 Terrible, uninspiring compared to original Phoenix HD

**Reported bugs**

- Warp gate charge time bug
- Occasional crashes
- Incompatible with older devices

**Requested features**

- Add haptic feedback
- Implement an endless mode
- Allow players to customize ships
- Add a level creator
- Provide an offline mode


### Cold Space

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cold-space/id1447154434)

Engage in a thrilling 3D space shoot'em up to defend Earth from an alien invasion. Compete against other pilots in challenging leagues, utilizing powerful weapons and upgrades. Experience classic arcade action with stunning visuals and intense boss battles.

**Highlights:** Destroy alien armada, Compete with other players, Numerous different enemies, Constantly changing challenges, State of the art 3D graphics, Fierce boss battles, Fantastic weapons and power-ups

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 90 Credits | $1.99 | one-time |
| 190 Credits | $3.99 | one-time |
| 450 Credits | $8.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Credits | $17.99 | one-time |
| 3000 Credits | $44.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Phoenix 2 free?

Phoenix 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cold Space free?

Cold Space is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Phoenix 2 or Cold Space?

Phoenix 2 is rated higher. Phoenix 2 averages 4.7 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Cold Space averages 4.3 from 3 ratings.

### Do Phoenix 2 or Cold Space have ads?

Phoenix 2 shows ads; Cold Space does not.

### Which is updated more often, Phoenix 2 or Cold Space?

Phoenix 2 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Cold Space weekly. Most recently, Phoenix 2 was updated on October 14, 2026 and Cold Space on September 21, 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.*