# Captains Idle vs Below The Layer

The clearest difference is rating: Below The Layer at 5.0 against Captains Idle's 3.6. Below The Layer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). Captains Idle's advantage is ratings volume (31 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Captains Idle sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Below The Layer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Below The Layer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Captains Idle has 31 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Captains Idle ships an update every 2 weeks, Below The Layer every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Captains Idle | Below The Layer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/captains-idle/id1632645600/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/below-the-layer/id6814332926/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **31** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 30.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 197 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [WORLDNMORE TEKNOLOJI ANONIM SIRKETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1703929690) | [James Seaward](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891697161) |

## What reviewers say

### Captains Idle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/captains-idle/id1632645600)

Become the deadliest pirate by gathering your crew, upgrading your ship, and setting sail. Explore islands, battle enemy ships, and find lost treasures. This idle game lets you unlock ship upgrades and new cannons.

**Highlights:** Gather and manage your pirate crew, Upgrade your ship and cannons, Battle enemy pirate ships, Explore islands and find treasure, Idle progression mechanics

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Permanent No Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


### Below The Layer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/below-the-layer/id6814332926)

Command a submarine in a tactical simulation. Interpret sonar, exploit thermal layers, and make critical decisions about evasion or engagement. Every choice has consequences in this challenging game of stealth and strategy.

**Highlights:** Sonar analysis, Target motion solutions, Periscope observation, Torpedo room operation, Weapon guidance, Patrol mission execution, Stealth tactics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Captains Idle free?

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

### Is Below The Layer free?

Below The Layer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Captains Idle or Below The Layer?

Below The Layer is rated higher. Captains Idle averages 3.6 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while Below The Layer averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Captains Idle or Below The Layer have ads?

Captains Idle shows ads; Below The Layer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Captains Idle or Below The Layer?

Captains Idle ships an update every 2 weeks, and Below The Layer every 6 days. Most recently, Captains Idle was updated on October 6, 2026 and Below The Layer on October 14, 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.*