# BASIC vs Classic BASIC

The clearest difference is price: Classic BASIC at $2.99 against BASIC's $11.99. Classic BASIC also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months) and rating (4.5 vs 4.2). BASIC's advantage is ratings volume (17 vs 2) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

BASIC costs $11.99 and Classic BASIC $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Classic BASIC holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: BASIC has 17 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

BASIC ships an update every 2 months, Classic BASIC weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BASIC | Classic BASIC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $11.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | [4.2 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-programming-language/id1540244170/reviews) | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-basic/id6780277386/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **17** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 68.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #114 | **#33** |
| Size | 135 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nikolay Denislamov](https://appshunter.io/developer/505796639) | [Nathan Baughman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802995512) |

## What reviewers say

### BASIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-programming-language/id1540244170)

**Currently charting:** #114 Top Paid · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Create and publish your own applications directly on your iOS device using an extended BASIC programming language. Features include a rich interface, advanced graphics, sound capabilities, and hardware support.

**Highlights:** Create standalone apps for App Store, Rich user interface elements, Advanced graphics and animation, Comprehensive sound and music support, Hardware sensor integration, Networking and file management, Customizable IDE with documentation

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Classic BASIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-basic/id6780277386)

**Currently charting:** #33 Top Paid · Developer Tools (US App Store)

A retro-inspired BASIC programming environment for modern devices. Write, run, and save line-numbered programs with classic commands and graphics. Includes built-in examples, games, and a programming guide for an approachable learning experience.

**Highlights:** Line-numbered BASIC programming, Built-in program catalog, Classic BASIC commands, Graphics commands, Built-in games, Programming guidebook

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BASIC free?

BASIC costs $11.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Classic BASIC free?

Classic BASIC costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BASIC or Classic BASIC?

Classic BASIC is rated higher. BASIC averages 4.2 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Classic BASIC averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do BASIC or Classic BASIC have ads?

Neither BASIC nor Classic BASIC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BASIC or Classic BASIC?

BASIC ships an update every 2 months, and Classic BASIC weekly. Most recently, BASIC was updated on October 14, 2026 and Classic BASIC on October 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, BASIC or Classic BASIC?

BASIC currently peaks at #114 in the App Store charts, and Classic BASIC at #33. 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.*