# PCalc vs xsec

The clearest difference is price: PCalc at $9.99 against xsec's $19.99. PCalc also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 10 months) and chart position (#162 vs unranked). xsec's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4). On ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

PCalc costs $9.99 and xsec $19.99 up front. PCalc sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. xsec asks for nothing beyond the download.

PCalc ships an update every 3 months, xsec every 10 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PCalc | xsec |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$9.99** | $19.99 |
| Rating | **[4.7 (776 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pcalc/id284666222/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **776** | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 10 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#162** | — |
| Size | 367 MB | 30 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TLA Systems Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/284666225) | [Phillip Thompson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1034942656) |

## What reviewers say

### PCalc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pcalc/id284666222)

**Currently charting:** #162 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

A powerful calculator designed for professionals and students, offering advanced features like RPN mode, multi-line display, and extensive unit conversions. It supports various number systems and includes an Apple Watch app for on-the-go calculations.

**Highlights:** Optional RPN mode, Multi-line display, Extensive unit conversions, Paper tape, Multiple undo/redo, Hexadecimal, octal, binary support, Apple Watch app

**Features:** Apple Watch app, iMessage stickers, Fun Camera support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Enormous Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


### xsec

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xsec/id1270487040)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PCalc free?

PCalc costs $9.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is xsec free?

xsec costs $19.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Do PCalc or xsec have ads?

Neither PCalc nor xsec shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PCalc or xsec?

PCalc ships an update every 3 months, and xsec every 10 months. Most recently, PCalc was updated on October 23, 2026 and xsec 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.*