# C Shell vs C++ Shell

The clearest difference is monetization model: C Shell at free with in-app purchases against C++ Shell's subscription. C Shell also leads on rating (4.5 vs 4.2). C++ Shell's advantage is ratings volume (224 vs 63) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. C Shell sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.49 per month and C++ Shell sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.49 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

C Shell holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 63 and 224 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of C Shell's written reviews are positive against 58% of C++ Shell's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | C Shell | C++ Shell |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-shell-c-language-compiler/id1610447913/reviews)** | [4.2 (224 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-plus-plus-shell-c-plus-plus-code-compiler/id6444545478/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 63 | **224** |
| Positive reviews | 55.6% of reviews | **57.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Subscription |
| Size | 151 MB | 153 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Phoenix Lab Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441899762) | [Phoenix Lab Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441899762) |

## What reviewers say

### C Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-shell-c-language-compiler/id1610447913)

Compile and run C language code directly on your mobile device. This tool integrates Python and Lua, and supports many basic Linux commands for a comprehensive development environment.

**Highlights:** C language compilation, Python and Lua integration, Linux command execution, Code highlighting, Split-screen display, Console input/output, Customizable themes and fonts

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| C Shell Advanced Version | $4.49 | per month |
| Permanently unlock advanced | $12.99 | one-time |


### C++ Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-plus-plus-shell-c-plus-plus-code-compiler/id6444545478)

Compile and run C++ code directly on your mobile device. This app provides a command-line environment with support for basic Linux commands, Python, and Lua. It features code highlighting, split-screen display, and customizable themes for an enhanced coding experience.

**Highlights:** C++ code compilation and execution, Linux command-line interface, Integrated Python and Lua, Code highlighting, Split-screen display, Customizable themes and fonts

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| C++ Shell Advanced Version | $4.49 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is C Shell free?

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

### Is C++ Shell free?

C++ Shell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, C Shell or C++ Shell?

C Shell is rated higher. C Shell averages 4.5 out of 5 from 63 ratings, while C++ Shell averages 4.2 from 224 ratings.

### Do C Shell or C++ Shell have ads?

Neither C Shell nor C++ Shell shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, C Shell or C++ Shell?

C Shell ships an update every 3 months, and C++ Shell every 3 months. Most recently, C Shell was updated on September 23, 2026 and C++ Shell on September 21, 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.*