# BugSim vs Physarum

The clearest difference is rating: Physarum at 4.8 against BugSim's 4.0. Physarum also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 33 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). BugSim's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Physarum sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. BugSim asks for nothing beyond the download.

Physarum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Physarum has 27 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of BugSim's written reviews are positive against 100% of Physarum's.

BugSim ships an update every 33 months, Physarum every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BugSim | Physarum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsim/id376219983/reviews) | **[4.8 (27 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physarum-slime-mold/id6744574947/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **27** |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 33 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 1 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mike Wesemann](https://appshunter.io/developer/285807162) | [GEORGY OSTROBROD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875865758) |

## What reviewers say

### BugSim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsim/id376219983)

Explore Darwinian evolution through a simulation game where virtual bugs learn to survive and hunt bacteria. This educational app is based on a concept from a 1989 Scientific American article.

**Highlights:** Darwinian evolution simulation, Survival of the fittest mechanics, Bugs hunt bacteria, Educational gameplay, Based on Scientific American concept

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Physarum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physarum-slime-mold/id6744574947)

Explore the fascinating emergent behavior of slime molds through a visually rich simulation. Adjust agent parameters, influence growth with intuitive controls, and discover complex, mesmerizing patterns.

**Highlights:** Slime mold behavior simulation, Autonomous agent control, Adjustable agent parameters, Maze solving and network formation, Vibrant color modes, Interactive system manipulation

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small developer tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium developer tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Big developer tip | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BugSim free?

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

### Is Physarum free?

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

### Which has better reviews, BugSim or Physarum?

Physarum is rated higher. BugSim averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Physarum averages 4.8 from 27 ratings.

### Do BugSim or Physarum have ads?

Neither BugSim nor Physarum shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BugSim or Physarum?

BugSim ships an update every 33 months, and Physarum every 5 weeks. Most recently, BugSim was updated on October 11, 2026 and Physarum on October 15, 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.*