CraftOS vs Terminal Emulator app
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CraftOS
This app emulates a classic text-based computer environment, allowing you to write and run Lua programs. It's perfect for learning to code or exploring existing programs from a popular Minecraft mod, all within a retro terminal interface.
- Lua 5.2+ scripting environment
- 16-color text-based terminal
- Virtual filesystem
- Built-in shell
- Extensive APIs
- Compatibility with ComputerCraft programs
- Exclusive graphics mode
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CraftOS-PC is a fantasy terminal that allows you to write and run programs inside an ‘80s-style text console. CraftOS-PC emulates the popular Minecraft mod "ComputerCraft", which adds programmable computers to Minecraft using the Lua programming language. CraftOS-PC takes this experience outside Minecraft to allow you to run the same programs anywhere you go. CraftOS-PC provides a set of functions (called APIs) that make it super easy to do simple tasks such as write text to the screen, read files, and more. The simplicity of these functions makes CraftOS-PC great for new programmers, but their power makes it possible to write all sorts of complex programs with less code. If you aren’t ready to write programs yet, there’s already a large number of programs for ComputerCraft that will work in CraftOS-PC, ranging from simple games to whole graphical operating systems. These can be downloaded through the built-in Pastebin and GitHub Gist clients. • Full Lua 5.2+ scripting environment and command-line REPL • 16-color text-based terminal display • Expansive virtual filesystem for program and data storage • Built-in shell with syntax similar to most desktop shells • APIs to easily access terminal, filesystem, Internet, event queue, and more • Built-in programs make it easy to navigate & edit files without a single line of code • Plenty of help documents to assist programmers • Compatibility with thousands of existing ComputerCraft programs • Over 3x faster than Minecraft mod and comparable emulators • Emulation of all peripherals available in ComputerCraft • Easily access configuration from inside CraftOS • Exclusive graphics mode providing up to 256-color, pixel-based screen manipulation • Edit Lua scripts from CraftOS or other code editing apps • Open-source app makes it easy to suggest and contribute changes Documentation on all of the APIs that ComputerCraft provides are available at https://tweaked.cc, and CraftOS-PC’s unique APIs are described at https://www.craftos-pc.cc/docs/. Join the CraftOS-PC community at https://www.craftos-pc.cc/discord!
Terminal Emulator app
This application provides a command-line interface for performing various developer tasks. It offers a web-based front-end for quick functions like conversions and calculations, along with full directory navigation capabilities.
- PTY connection to shell
- Web front-end for quick functions
- Common conversions and math
- Full CD (change directory) support
- JavaScript features
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Simple "terminal-optimized" tasks. In an abstract way, got a PTY (term.js) that connects to the shell (termprops.js) to the user's display. Friendly web front-end that can run quick functions that I normally used a Python shell for, such as common conversions and quick math. We've also got full CD! * JavaScript features
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: CraftOS at 88% against Terminal Emulator app's 0%. CraftOS also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and update cadence (every 4 months vs every 11 months). Terminal Emulator app's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ads, monetization model and device support 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
Both are free to download. CraftOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Terminal Emulator app asks for nothing beyond the download.
CraftOS holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CraftOS has 17 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of CraftOS's written reviews are positive against 0% of Terminal Emulator app's.
CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, Terminal Emulator app every 11 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CraftOS | Terminal Emulator app |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (17 ratings) — better | 1.0 (3 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 88.2% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 17 — better | 3 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months — better | Every 11 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 13.4 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 24 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jack Bruienne | Leticia Vila |
Customer experience
CraftOS
Terminal Emulator app
In-app purchases
CraftOS
- Plugin Collection 1$0.99
Terminal Emulator app
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CraftOS free?
Is Terminal Emulator app free?
Which has better reviews, CraftOS or Terminal Emulator app?
Do CraftOS or Terminal Emulator app have ads?
Which is updated more often, CraftOS or Terminal Emulator app?
Other comparisons
