# a vs Python Editor App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: a at 79% against Python Editor App's 20%. a also leads on rating (4.6 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). Python Editor App's advantage is ratings volume (6.5K vs 553). On price, update cadence, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Python Editor App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. a asks for nothing beyond the download.

a holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Python Editor App has 6.5K ratings behind it against 553, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of a's written reviews are positive against 20% of Python Editor App's.

a ships an update monthly, Python Editor App every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | a | Python Editor App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (553 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-shell/id1473805438/reviews)** | [4.1 (6.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/python-editor-app/id1672453872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 553 | **6.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **78.6% of reviews** | 19.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Freemium** |
| Best chart rank | #19 | **#17** |
| Size | 1.9 GB | 403 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nicolas Holzschuch](https://appshunter.io/developer/1450994948) | [Andromeda Corp LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1745089768) |

## What reviewers say

### a

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-shell/id1473805438)

**Currently charting:** #19 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Run a full Unix-like terminal environment on your iOS device. Execute a wide range of commands, edit files, and even program using included interpreters and compilers. Supports multitasking and integration with Shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Local Unix terminal emulator, SSH client, File transfer (scp, curl), Text editing (vim, ed), Scripting languages (Python, Lua, Perl, JS), C/C++ compiler, TeX distribution

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful terminal with Linux commands
- 👍 Useful for programming and development
- 🔒 Secure and reliable
- 💡 Impressive capabilities for an iOS app
- 👍 Helpful documentation and developer support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Limited customization options
- 🔍 Missing some basic terminal features
- 🔍 Compatibility issues with certain packages

**Reported bugs**

- Toolbar buttons not accessible in portrait mode on some devices
- Pasting from clipboard can insert unexpected characters
- Sourcing certain script files causes crashes

**Requested features**

- Add support for package managers like Homebrew or APT
- Implement more advanced shell features like job control and better tab completion
- Integrate Git for version control
- Allow installing additional packages and libraries
- Improve clipboard and file management integration


### Python Editor App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/python-editor-app/id1672453872)

**Currently charting:** #17 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #110 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Code and run Python 3 scripts directly on your iOS device with a feature-rich editor. Enjoy syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, code completion, and AI-powered code assistance. Optimize your workflow with multi-window support and background script execution.

**Highlights:** Create, edit, and run Python 3 scripts, Syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, code completion, AI-powered code assistant, Multi-window support, Background script execution, Reusable code snippets

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Code Premium Pro W | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Py Editor Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Code Premium | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Great mobile Python IDE
- 📚 Helpful built-in learning resources
- 👍 Simple and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive paywall/subscription model
- 🔒 No free trial or limited functionality
- 🙅‍♀️ Inability to close subscription popup
- 🚫 Unusable without paid subscription

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch for some users
- Typing issues and keyboard problems
- Inability to run certain file types

**Requested features**

- Add support for third-party modules
- Improve cursor control and editing capabilities
- Provide option to disable review prompts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is a free?

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

### Is Python Editor App free?

Python Editor App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, a or Python Editor App?

a is rated higher. a averages 4.6 out of 5 from 553 ratings, while Python Editor App averages 4.1 from 6.5K ratings.

### Do a or Python Editor App have ads?

Neither a nor Python Editor App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, a or Python Editor App?

a ships an update monthly, and Python Editor App every 5 weeks. Most recently, a was updated on September 29, 2026 and Python Editor App on October 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, a or Python Editor App?

a currently peaks at #19 in the App Store charts, and Python Editor App at #17. 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.*