# Carrot Time vs Classic Maelstrom

The clearest difference is update cadence: Classic Maelstrom at every 2 days against Carrot Time's every 19 months. Carrot Time's advantage is iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Carrot Time ships an update every 19 months, Classic Maelstrom every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Carrot Time | Classic Maelstrom |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-maelstrom/id6760607912/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **3** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 19 months | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 35 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Gaming Chef LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1148729976) | [Sam Lantinga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885293004) |

## What reviewers say

### Carrot Time

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/carrot-time/id1205484828)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Classic Maelstrom

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-maelstrom/id6760607912)

Experience a fast-paced, retro arcade shooter with classic pixel graphics and authentic sounds. Enjoy cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, along with modern touch and controller support. Discover hidden secrets and challenge yourself with unique game modes.

**Highlights:** Fast-action gameplay, Classic pixel graphics, Original sounds, Cooperative multiplayer, Competitive multiplayer, Mobile touch controls, Game controller support, Kid Mode

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Carrot Time free?

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

### Is Classic Maelstrom free?

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

### Do Carrot Time or Classic Maelstrom have ads?

Neither Carrot Time nor Classic Maelstrom shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Carrot Time or Classic Maelstrom?

Carrot Time ships an update every 19 months, and Classic Maelstrom every 2 days. Most recently, Carrot Time was updated on November 2, 2026 and Classic Maelstrom on November 9, 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.*