# Python3IDE vs C++ Shell

The clearest difference is rating: C++ Shell at 4.2 against Python3IDE's 3.2. C++ Shell also leads on review sentiment (58% vs 33%) and ratings volume (229 vs 24). Python3IDE's advantage is monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs subscription). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Python3IDE sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and C++ Shell sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

C++ Shell holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: C++ Shell has 229 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Python3IDE's written reviews are positive against 58% of C++ Shell's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Python3IDE | C++ Shell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.2 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/python3ide/id1357215444/reviews) | **[4.2 (229 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-plus-plus-shell-c-plus-plus-code-compiler/id6444545478/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **229** |
| Positive reviews | 33.4% of reviews | **57.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Best chart rank | **#128** | #186 |
| Size | 1.6 GB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **15** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [辉 马](https://appshunter.io/developer/959342857) | [Phoenix Lab Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441899762) |

## What reviewers say

### Python3IDE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/python3ide/id1357215444)

**Currently charting:** #128 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #182 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app provides an offline integrated development environment for Python 3, supporting scientific computing, data analysis, and machine learning libraries. It also offers offline IDEs for C/C++, PHP, and Lua, along with features like code highlighting, offline script execution, and built-in tutorials.

**Highlights:** Offline Python 3 IDE, Built-in scientific libraries, Offline C/C++/PHP/Lua IDE, Code highlighting and auto-completion, Offline script execution, Jupyter Notebook support, Built-in Python tutorials

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SixMonth subscription,3D trial | $1.99 | per month |
| SixMonth subscription,7D trial | $6.99 | per 6 months |
| Annual subscription(7D trial) | $9.49 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Offline coding
- 🚀 Supports multiple programming languages
- 👍 Free to use
- 👍 Lightweight and fast
- 👍 Good for beginners

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes frequently
- 🐛 Buggy behavior
- 🔒 Paywall restricts functionality
- 👎 Unstable performance
- 👎 Lack of error reporting

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when using certain code constructs
- Input function does not work as expected
- Indentation issues and unexpected behavior
- Compatibility problems with older devices
- Unreliable saving and loading of files

**Requested features**

- Add support for more Python libraries
- Improve error handling and debugging
- Implement a dark mode
- Allow file management and export options
- Provide better documentation and tutorials


### C++ Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-plus-plus-shell-c-plus-plus-code-compiler/id6444545478)

**Currently charting:** #186 Top Grossing · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Compile and run C++ code directly on your mobile device. This app provides a command-line environment with support for basic Linux commands, Python, and Lua. It features code highlighting, split-screen display, and customizable themes for an enhanced coding experience.

**Highlights:** C++ code compilation and execution, Linux command-line interface, Integrated Python and Lua, Code highlighting, Split-screen display, Customizable themes and fonts

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| C++ Shell Advanced Version | $4.49 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Python3IDE free?

Python3IDE is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is C++ Shell free?

C++ Shell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Python3IDE or C++ Shell?

C++ Shell is rated higher. Python3IDE averages 3.2 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while C++ Shell averages 4.2 from 229 ratings.

### Do Python3IDE or C++ Shell have ads?

Neither Python3IDE nor C++ Shell shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Python3IDE or C++ Shell?

Python3IDE ships an update every 2 months, and C++ Shell every 2 months. Most recently, Python3IDE was updated on October 12, 2026 and C++ Shell on October 13, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Python3IDE or C++ Shell?

Python3IDE currently peaks at #128 in the App Store charts, and C++ Shell at #186. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*