Comparison

CraftOS vs Solar2D Studio

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

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.

Highlights
  • Lua 5.2+ scripting environment
  • 16-color text-based terminal
  • Virtual filesystem
  • Built-in shell
  • Extensive APIs
  • Compatibility with ComputerCraft programs
  • Exclusive graphics mode
Features
Read full description

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!

About

Solar2D Studio

This app provides an integrated environment for developing mobile applications and games directly on an iOS device. It features a code editor, real-time simulator, and comprehensive documentation to assist developers of all skill levels.

Highlights
  • Intuitive code editor
  • Real-time simulator
  • Integrated terminal
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Project debugging
Features
Read full description

Welcome to Solar2D Studio, your all-in-one iOS app for unleashing your creativity and bringing your game ideas to life! Built on the powerful Solar2D game engine, Solar2D Studio empowers developers of all skill levels to craft stunning apps and games right from their iOS device. With Solar2D Studio, you have everything you need at your fingertips. Dive into the intuitive code editor to write, edit, and debug your projects with ease. Seamlessly switch between editing your code and testing your creations in real-time, thanks to the built-in simulator. Harness the full potential of Solar2D with our comprehensive documentation, providing guidance and insights every step of the way. Need assistance? Our integrated terminal lets you execute commands and access resources without ever leaving the app. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, Solar2D Studio is your go-to tool for building captivating apps and games. Download now and embark on your journey to app development greatness! Contact Us: Have questions or feedback? We'd love to hear from you! Contact our support team! Website: https://www.iamadman.com Email: amadman380743909@gmail.com Twitter: @andy38074 Reddit: u/iamadmancom

Screenshots

CraftOS4 screens
Solar2D Studio4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: CraftOS at Free against Solar2D Studio's $9.99. CraftOS also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 50%) and ratings volume (17 vs 1). Solar2D Studio's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.8). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

CraftOS is free to download; Solar2D Studio costs $9.99 up front. CraftOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Solar2D Studio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Solar2D Studio holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CraftOS has 17 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 88% of CraftOS's written reviews are positive against 50% of Solar2D Studio's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, Solar2D Studio every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
CraftOS versus Solar2D Studio: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCraftOSSolar2D Studio
PriceFree — better$9.99
Rating4.8 (17 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews88.2% of reviews — better50.0% of reviews
Number of ratings17 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB182 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJack Bruienne盼军 崔

Customer experience

CraftOS

All ratings17 ratings
Positive94.1%
Neutral0.0%
Negative5.9%
Written reviews17 reviews
Positive88.2%
Neutral0.0%
Negative11.8%

Solar2D Studio

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

CraftOS

One-time1
  • Plugin Collection 1$0.99
1 purchases

Solar2D Studio

One-time1
  • Buy me a coffee$2.99

Questions

Is CraftOS free?
CraftOS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Solar2D Studio free?
Solar2D Studio costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, CraftOS or Solar2D Studio?
Solar2D Studio is rated higher. CraftOS averages 4.8 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Solar2D Studio averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do CraftOS or Solar2D Studio have ads?
Neither CraftOS nor Solar2D Studio shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CraftOS or Solar2D Studio?
CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, and Solar2D Studio every 3 months. Most recently, CraftOS was updated on November 3, 2026 and Solar2D Studio on November 4, 2026.

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