# Idle Evolution vs Eterna

The clearest difference is rating: Idle Evolution at 4.2 against Eterna's 3.7. Idle Evolution also leads on ratings volume (268 vs 15) and update cadence (every 11 days vs every 3 weeks). Eterna's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Evolution sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Eterna asks for nothing beyond the download.

Idle Evolution holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Idle Evolution has 268 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 43% of Idle Evolution's written reviews are positive against 33% of Eterna's.

Idle Evolution ships an update every 11 days, Eterna every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Evolution | Eterna |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (268 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-evolution-cell-to-human/id1506912147/reviews)** | [3.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eterna/id1513216417/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **268** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **42.9% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 11 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 234 MB | 188 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [AA2G1 LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1435150054) | [Vital Mind Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513216416) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Evolution

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-evolution-cell-to-human/id1506912147)

Simulate the entire evolutionary journey from single-celled organisms to humans. Collect cells, build organs, and evolve diverse life forms. Become a tycoon of life on Earth.

**Highlights:** Cell to human evolution simulation, Creature improvement system, Collect fish, viruses, people, animals, Tap tap clicker mechanics, Organ and body creation, World tycoon gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 60 Crystals | $1.99 | one-time |
| Disable Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| 120 Crystals | $2.99 | one-time |
| 300 Crystals | $4.99 | one-time |
| 700 Crystals | $8.99 | one-time |
| 2000 Crystals | $23.99 | one-time |


### Eterna

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eterna/id1513216417)

Engage in a citizen science game to design RNA molecules for medical research. Solve puzzles to unlock lab access and contribute to inventing new medicines through challenges.

**Highlights:** Design RNA molecules, Solve scientific puzzles, Participate in medical research, Invent new medicines, Unlock lab access

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Evolution free?

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

### Is Eterna free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Idle Evolution or Eterna?

Idle Evolution is rated higher. Idle Evolution averages 4.2 out of 5 from 268 ratings, while Eterna averages 3.7 from 15 ratings.

### Do Idle Evolution or Eterna have ads?

Idle Evolution shows ads; Eterna does not.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Evolution or Eterna?

Idle Evolution ships an update every 11 days, and Eterna every 3 weeks. Most recently, Idle Evolution was updated on September 17, 2026 and Eterna 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.*