# CraftOS vs Astra Shell

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Astra Shell at none against CraftOS's 1. Astra Shell also leads on update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 4 months). CraftOS's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CraftOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Astra Shell asks for nothing beyond the download.

CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, Astra Shell every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | CraftOS | Astra Shell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/craftos-pc/id1565893014/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **17** | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 11 MB | 20 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jack Bruienne](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542538425) | [玥 熊](https://appshunter.io/developer/6780204409) |

## What reviewers say

### CraftOS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/craftos-pc/id1565893014)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plugin Collection 1 | $0.99 | one-time |


### Astra Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astra-shell/id6807410920)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is CraftOS free?

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

### Is Astra Shell free?

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

### Do CraftOS or Astra Shell have ads?

Neither CraftOS nor Astra Shell shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, CraftOS or Astra Shell?

CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, and Astra Shell every 4 weeks. Most recently, CraftOS was updated on November 11, 2026 and Astra Shell on November 6, 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.*