# HeliDirect vs Buce Plant

HeliDirect and Buce Plant both sit at 4.7 stars, but that hides the real split: 86% of Buce Plant's written reviews are positive against 39% of HeliDirect's. Buce Plant also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). HeliDirect's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

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

Buce Plant holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 676 and 787 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 39% of HeliDirect's written reviews are positive against 86% of Buce Plant's.

HeliDirect ships an update every 2 months, Buce Plant every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HeliDirect | Buce Plant |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (676 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helidirect/id1485688946/reviews) | **[4.9 (787 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buce-plant/id1548763987/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 676 | **787** |
| Positive reviews | 39.1% of reviews | **86.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 137 MB | 66 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [HeliDirect LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1268683005) | [Buce Plant](https://appshunter.io/developer/1548763989) |

## What reviewers say

### HeliDirect

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helidirect/id1485688946)

This app is a comprehensive online store for radio-controlled helicopters, FPV drones, and multirotors. It stocks a wide variety of kits, replacement parts, and electronic components to help enthusiasts get their aerial projects airborne.

**Highlights:** RC helicopter kits, FPV drone equipment, Multirotor parts, Electronic components, RC aerial project supplies

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast shipping and quick order processing
- 💰 Competitive pricing and good deals
- 📦 Good product selection and availability
- ⭐ Reliable company with responsive customer service
- 🎁 Rewards program and promotional offers

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 📱 iPad/landscape mode not supported
- 🔗 Website and app accounts not linked
- 🔍 Product descriptions lacking detail
- ❌ Menu and navigation elements non-functional

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when viewing profile
- App crashes when searching catalog
- App locks up when adding items to cart
- Cart not refreshing after order placement
- Menu items not selectable

**Requested features**

- Landscape mode for iPad
- Link website and app account data
- Improve product descriptions and specifications
- Free shipping promotion threshold
- Better order history viewing and sorting


### Buce Plant

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/buce-plant/id1548763987)

Discover a vast selection of aquarium plants and aquascaping gear. Get instant notifications for restocks and new product launches, plus exclusive app-only sales. Find inspiration and tips from in-house aquascapers.

**Highlights:** Largest selection of aquarium plants, Professional aquascaping gear, Instant restock notifications, New product launch alerts, App-only sales and specials, Inspiration and daily tips

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🌱 Amazing plants
- 👍 Wonderful experience
- 🤙🏻 Free shipping over $100
- 🏆 The Apple Store of aquascaping
- 🔍 Great livestock/plants and shipping

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Constant errors when setting up account
- 🔍 Lacking search functionality
- 📦 Overpriced livestock
- 🔧 App not as good as website

**Reported bugs**

- Couldn't sign in, had to keep closing and reopening app
- Received unexpected additional invoice request

**Requested features**

- Improve account setup and login process
- Add more search and filtering options
- Bring app features on par with website


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HeliDirect free?

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

### Is Buce Plant free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HeliDirect or Buce Plant?

Buce Plant is rated higher. HeliDirect averages 4.7 out of 5 from 676 ratings, while Buce Plant averages 4.9 from 787 ratings.

### Do HeliDirect or Buce Plant have ads?

Buce Plant shows ads; HeliDirect does not.

### Which is updated more often, HeliDirect or Buce Plant?

HeliDirect ships an update every 2 months, and Buce Plant every 3 weeks. Most recently, HeliDirect was updated on September 26, 2026 and Buce Plant on September 17, 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.*