Comparison

Mars vs Pixel Orbit X

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Mars

Engage in a scientific simulation of establishing a Mars colony. Manage a small group of settlers, research technologies, and build a thriving settlement from a single module. Compete with other human-controlled colonies for success on the Red Planet.

Highlights
  • Scientific Mars settlement simulation
  • Research and development of technologies
  • Exploration of the Red Planet
  • Building and managing specialized structures
  • Managing settler types and life cycles
  • 3D view of settlement and Mars surface
  • Offline playability
Features
Read full description

Settle on MARS in a mixture of game and scientific simulation. Take control over a tiny group of 10 settlers and choose a landing site on the barren Mars. Develop your venture from one single landing module into a thriving settlement with hundreds of specialized buildings and even more inhabitants. Research & development of new technologies as well as exploration of the Red Planet are key for establishing a permanent presence in this hostile environment. And you are not alone. Other settlements, each one controlled by a real human somewhere on Earth, are starting to grow everywhere and a competition for being the most successful Mars colony has already begun. Features: - Scientific orientated building & simulation of a Mars settlement - Background story in 6 phases with according phase goals - Mars simulation in 30x real time (even running when app is not active) - Choosing one of 7 Earth organizations providing (dis-)advantages - Research & development of 152 individual technologies - Construction, maintenance & repair of 51 individual building - 35 individual building enhancements (no level 1,2,3...) - Sending Mars exploration teams and analyzing found soil samples - Production & dispatching of 23 different resource/module types - Assignment of 5 settler types to all activities in the settlement - Settler life cycle including children and elders - 3D view of own settlement in authentic Mars topography - Panning & zooming of the Mars surface in high resolution 3D - 100% usable without Internet connection - Optional online: ranking list & other settlements on Mars surface - Unlocking of advanced app functionalities step by step - Tutorial explaining all app functionalities - Contains some Ads but only after 15 Minutes of game and very decent - Contains In-App-Purchases but NO PAY TO WIN! - This is a peaceful app! NO FIGHTING, NO KILLING, NO WAR!

About

Pixel Orbit X

Features
Read full description

Pixel Orbit X is a fast-paced arcade survival game where precision, timing, and quick reactions determine how long you last. Control your hero as you orbit around circular lanes while waves of incoming asteroids close in from every direction. Flip orbit direction, change lanes, collect score orbs, and survive as long as possible in this intense reflex-based challenge. Built for fans of skill games, high-score chases, and minimalist arcade design, Pixel Orbit X delivers smooth performance and escalating difficulty that keeps every run exciting. HOW TO PLAY • Tap anywhere to flip orbit direction • Swipe toward the center to move inward one lane • Swipe outward to move to an outer lane • Dodge incoming asteroids • Collect yellow score orbs • Survive longer to increase your score POWER-UPS • Ghost: Pass through asteroids temporarily • Rush: Convert hazards into score orbs and increase magnet range • Double: Multiply your score gain • Slow: Reduce game speed to regain control GAME MODES • Casual Mode: Relaxed arcade gameplay • Chaos Mode: Advanced difficulty with dynamic challenge events FEATURES • Skill-based arcade survival gameplay • Responsive one-touch and swipe controls • Progressive difficulty scaling • Multiple orbit lanes for strategic movement • Quick play sessions with high replay value • Clean neon-inspired visual style If you enjoy reflex games, reaction speed challenges, endless survival gameplay, and competitive high-score chasing, Pixel Orbit X delivers a pure arcade experience designed for both short sessions and long mastery runs.

Screenshots

Mars4 screens
Pixel Orbit X4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Pixel Orbit X at none against Mars's 3. Pixel Orbit X also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Mars sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Pixel Orbit X asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mars ships an update every 2 months, Pixel Orbit X every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on September 22, 2026 and September 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Mars versus Pixel Orbit X: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMarsPixel Orbit X
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (26 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews65.6% of reviews—
Number of ratings26 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 9 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size2.6 GB26 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperStefan NyulPXL READY (FZE)

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Mars

One-time3
  • Logistics contract$0.99
  • MAA Gold Membership$1.99
  • Sponsors contract$2.99
None

Pixel Orbit X

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mars free?
Mars is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Pixel Orbit X free?
Pixel Orbit X is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Mars or Pixel Orbit X have ads?
Both Mars and Pixel Orbit X show ads.
Which is updated more often, Mars or Pixel Orbit X?
Mars ships an update every 2 months, and Pixel Orbit X every 9 days. Most recently, Mars was updated on September 22, 2026 and Pixel Orbit X on September 14, 2026.

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