CraftOS vs Classic BASIC
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!
Classic BASIC
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.
- Line-numbered BASIC programming
- Built-in program catalog
- Classic BASIC commands
- Graphics commands
- Built-in games
- Programming guidebook
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Classic BASIC is a retro-inspired BASIC programming environment designed for modern devices. Write line-numbered BASIC programs, run them instantly, save your work, load built-in examples, explore graphics commands, and learn programming with the included guidebook. Classic BASIC preserves the familiar feel of classic home computers while providing a clean, touch-friendly experience for today's users. Features include: • Traditional line-numbered BASIC programming • Built-in program catalog • Classic commands such as LIST, RUN, SAVE, LOAD, NEW, and CATALOG • Graphics commands for drawing lines, circles, boxes, and screen output • Built-in games including Block Drop and Astro Blaster • Touch game keyboard support for interactive games • External keyboard support with ESC and CTRL+C break commands • Display modes including Green, Amber, and DOS-style color • Built-in programming guide • File support for saving and loading your own programs Classic BASIC is designed for beginners, hobbyists, retro-computing enthusiasts, students, and anyone who wants a simple programming environment that feels immediate, approachable, and fun. Type a line. Run it. Change it. Learn by doing.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: CraftOS at Free against Classic BASIC's $2.99. CraftOS also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and ratings volume (17 vs 2). Classic BASIC's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months). On ads 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
CraftOS is free to download; Classic BASIC costs $2.99 up front. CraftOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Classic BASIC asks for nothing beyond the download.
CraftOS holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: CraftOS has 17 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.
CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, Classic BASIC weekly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CraftOS | Classic BASIC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (17 ratings) — better | 4.5 (2 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 88.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 17 — better | 2 |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free — better | Paid |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jack Bruienne | Nathan Baughman |
Customer experience
CraftOS
Classic BASIC
In-app purchases
CraftOS
- Plugin Collection 1$0.99
Classic BASIC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CraftOS free?
Is Classic BASIC free?
Which has better reviews, CraftOS or Classic BASIC?
Do CraftOS or Classic BASIC have ads?
Which is updated more often, CraftOS or Classic BASIC?
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