CraftOS vs TrashBox
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!
TrashBox
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Welcome to TrashBox-80 - the microcomputer nobody asked for, from Radio Smack! Step back into the golden age of home computing with a lovingly recreated TRS-80 Model I-style experience built for retro-computing fans, BASIC programmers, and anyone who misses the days when a blinking cursor was an invitation to explore. TrashBox-80 recreates the feel of a classic 48K microcomputer, complete with a green-screen display, block cursor, virtual keyboard, and Level II BASIC-style programming environment. POWER UP. GET A PROMPT. START TYPING. No accounts. No complicated setup. Just a computer, a cursor, and BASIC. PROGRAM IN BASIC Write, edit, run, save, and load BASIC programs directly inside TrashBox-80. Experiment with classic commands, create your own programs, learn old-school programming, or see just how much you can accomplish with a few lines of BASIC. Whether you remember typing programs from magazines or you are discovering classic BASIC for the first time, TrashBox-80 gives you a hands-on way to explore the roots of personal computing. BUILT-IN ARCADE Don't feel like programming? Head over to the Arcade. TrashBox-80 includes a collection of retro-inspired games designed to capture the simple, addictive fun of early home computers. Play Blockdrop, blast through space in Astro Blaster, test your luck at Blackjack and Acey-Ducey, play Hangman, explore text adventures, and more. The intentionally old-school graphics and gameplay are part of the experience. CLASSIC COMPUTER EXPERIENCE * TRS-80 Model I-inspired interface * 48K-era computing experience * Level II BASIC-style programming * Authentic green-screen presentation * Blinking block cursor * Built-in translucent virtual keyboard * External keyboard support * BREAK key support * Write and run your own BASIC programs * Save and load programs locally * Built-in retro Arcade * Quick Guide included * Works without requiring an account * Designed for newcomers and longtime retro-computing fans LEARN. CODE. PLAY. TrashBox-80 isn't just a simulation of an old computer screen. It's an interactive tribute to an era when turning on a computer meant you were immediately ready to program it. Type a BASIC program. RUN it. Break it. Fix it. Save it. Then waste the next hour playing Blockdrop. Just like nature intended. RADIO SMACK TRASHBOX-80 MICRO COMPUTER SYSTEM Modern computers have millions of times more processing power. TrashBox-80 has a blinking green cursor. We know which one is cooler. Ready?
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: CraftOS at Free against TrashBox's $2.99. CraftOS also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). TrashBox's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 5 days 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; TrashBox costs $2.99 up front. CraftOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. TrashBox asks for nothing beyond the download.
CraftOS ships an update every 4 months, TrashBox every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CraftOS | TrashBox |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free — better | $2.99 |
| Rating | 4.8 (17 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 88.2% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 17 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | Every 5 days — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 11 MB | 4 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Jack Bruienne | Nathan Baughman |
In-app purchases
CraftOS
- Plugin Collection 1$0.99
TrashBox
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is CraftOS free?
Is TrashBox free?
Do CraftOS or TrashBox have ads?
Which is updated more often, CraftOS or TrashBox?
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