# iAltair vs BASIC Programming Compiler

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iAltair at 75% against BASIC Programming Compiler's 0%. iAltair also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). BASIC Programming Compiler's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 11 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.4). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. BASIC Programming Compiler sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. iAltair asks for nothing beyond the download.

iAltair holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 21 and 7 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of iAltair's written reviews are positive against 0% of BASIC Programming Compiler's.

iAltair ships an update every 11 months, BASIC Programming Compiler every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on August 27, 2026 and August 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iAltair | BASIC Programming Compiler |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ialtair/id291182085/reviews)** | [3.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-programming-compiler/id1468883065/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **21** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.4 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Peter Schorn](https://appshunter.io/developer/291182088) | [Ketan Appa](https://appshunter.io/developer/576435759) |

## What reviewers say

### iAltair

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ialtair/id291182085)

Experience vintage computing with a simulation of the MITS Altair 8800. Explore old software like CP/M 2 and run programs such as Eliza using built-in BASIC. This self-contained system offers a unique glimpse into early computing history.

**Highlights:** MITS Altair 8800 simulation, CP/M 2 operating system support, Built-in BASIC interpreter, Run Eliza program, Self-contained system

**In-app purchases:** none


### BASIC Programming Compiler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-programming-compiler/id1468883065)

Learn and test code snippets in BASIC on your iOS device. This app features a source code editor with syntax highlighting, a custom keyboard for easy input, and the ability to compile and run your programs. It utilizes the FreeBASIC compiler for a powerful coding experience.

**Highlights:** Compile and run BASIC programs, View program output and errors, Select and run code chunks, Custom keyboard for easy input, Advanced source code editor, Open, save, import, and share files, Language reference included

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Upgrade | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iAltair free?

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

### Is BASIC Programming Compiler free?

BASIC Programming Compiler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, iAltair or BASIC Programming Compiler?

iAltair is rated higher. iAltair averages 4.8 out of 5 from 21 ratings, while BASIC Programming Compiler averages 3.1 from 7 ratings.

### Do iAltair or BASIC Programming Compiler have ads?

BASIC Programming Compiler shows ads; iAltair does not.

### Which is updated more often, iAltair or BASIC Programming Compiler?

iAltair ships an update every 11 months, and BASIC Programming Compiler every 5 weeks. Most recently, iAltair was updated on August 27, 2026 and BASIC Programming Compiler on August 16, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*