Comparison

Osmos vs Auralux

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Osmos

Navigate a cosmic world as a galactic mote. Absorb smaller organisms to grow while avoiding larger predators. This physics-based survival game features stunning graphics and an ambient soundtrack.

Highlights
  • Physics-based gameplay
  • Absorb smaller organisms to grow
  • Avoid larger predators
  • Stellar graphics
  • Ambient soundtrack
  • 72 levels across 8 worlds
  • Multiplayer mode
Features
Read full description

** Apple Design Award winner and iPad Game of the Year! ** Enter the Darwinian world of a galactic mote. To survive, absorb smaller organisms and grow—but beware of larger predators. Osmos features unique physics-based play, stellar graphics, and a hypnotic ambient soundtrack. Absorb or be absorbed! “The ultimate ambient experience” — Gizmodo “Beyond doubt, a work of genius" — GameAndPlayer.net THE CRUX: you must grow by absorbing smaller motes, but to propel yourself you must eject matter behind you, causing you to shrink. From this delicate balance, Osmos leads the player through floating playgrounds, competitive petri dishes, deep solar systems, and more. “Named as iPad Game of the Year for a reason, Osmos is a fantastic game. A combination of physics, survival and classic eat em up” — WeDoCode “Whether you're a child at heart who likes mucking about with single-cell organisms, or a strategist with a physics degree, this game will appeal to everyone.” — App Store review AWARDS / recognition: * "iPad Game of the Year" and "iPhone App of the Week" — Apple * Apple Design Award winner (iPad version) * #1 Top iPhone Game — IGN * iPad Game of the Year — TUAW * Game of the Year — Create Digital Music * Editor's Choice — Wired, Macworld, IGN, GameTunnel, and more... * Best in Show — IndieCade * Vision Award — Independent Games Festival * Coolest Atmosphere — IGN * Best Soundtrack — IGN * Most Innovative Game — Best App Ever Awards, Pocket Gamer * Many top lists including Kotaku, PAX, TouchArcade, iLounge, APPera, IFC, and more... FEATURES: * 72 levels spanning 8 distinct worlds: Ambient, Antimatter, Solar, Sentient, Repulsor, Impasse, Warped Chaos, and Epicycles. * Multiplayer! (more info below.) * Award-winning electronic soundtrack by Loscil, Gas, High Skies, Biosphere, Julien Neto, and more. * Endless replay value: play random versions of any level in Arcade mode. * Seamlesss multitouch controls: swipe to warp time, tap anywhere to eject mass, pinch to zoom… * Time-warping: slow down the flow of time to outmaneuver agile opponents; speed it up to raise the challenge. * Confront four distinct AI opponents: the Ovarium, the Biophobe, the Nemocyte… and the deadly Ferax. * 13 single-player and 15 multiplayer achievements. * Progress synced via iCloud. MULTIPLAYER * Play against your friends and enemies, locally (via wi-fi), or over the Internet. * 6 distinct Arenas: Ambient, Impasse, Solar, Warped Chaos, Epicycles, and introducing… Antimatter Impasse. * iPad vs. iPhone play supported. “a beautiful, absorbing experience." — IGN 5/5 - Macworld Editor’s Choice - “One of the best games we’ve played so far this year. An utterly serene, yet fiendishly complicated game that deserves a place in every iPad owners collection.” — MacWorld “The best iPad game yet.” — IGN 4/4, Must Have - “We are more than overwhelmed by Osmos for iPad… The game design is thoughtful and intuitive, new level structures are flawless, and the visuals are stunning yet simplistic… every iPad owner should have Osmos on their device. You just won’t find another experience quite like it.” — Slide To Play “What iPad Gaming Should Be All About” — Gizmodo “The first proper breakout hit for the iPad. Osmos feels so natural and enjoyable to play, even when the difficulty ramps up and you find yourself repeatedly careening into a giant gaseous enemy.” — Wired “It’s the best iPad game on the App Store” — MTV Multiplayer 5/5 - “Osmos is an absolute must that will change the way you think of games, and what you expect from them.” — AppAdvice “Beyond doubt, a work of genius... a relaxing, meditative experience about going with the flow... It all adds up to something otherworldly and just . . . incredible.” — GameAndPlayer.net

About

Auralux

This abstract real-time strategy game offers a minimalist experience with a focus on clever tactics over reflexes. Command a single unit type with simple orders, starting on equal footing with opponents. Enjoy a relaxing, cerebral challenge with a vibrant aesthetic and ambient soundtrack.

Highlights
  • Abstract real-time strategy gameplay
  • Minimalist graphics and ambient soundtrack
  • Simple unit command and orders
  • Equal starting resources for all players
  • Multiple game modes (Normal, Speed, Secret)
  • Optimized for touch screen devices
Features
Read full description

The sequel, Auralux: Constellations, is available now! Click on War Drum Studios above to download. New features include leaderboards, achievements, and cloud saves! Auralux is an abstract, essentialized, and simplified real-time strategy game. You command only one type of unit and have only one type of order to give those units. You and your opponents start the game with precisely equal resources. Quick reflexes will get you nowhere. The only path to victory is through clever strategy. Auralux features a slow, floating feel and vibrant minimalistic graphics. The entire game pulses to the rhythm of ambient music, and the player's actions evoke sounds that smoothly coalesce into melody. This game is designed to provide a relaxing, cerebral experience. Every choice matters, and only the best strategies will succeed. Features: -Includes every feature and more from the renowned PC game. -Free to try for as long as you like! Simply purchase additional levels for a very low price if you enjoy the game and want more challenges. -Gameplay optimized for touch screen devices. -Countless hours of gameplay -Two available game modes : Normal and Speed Mode, with a secret mode for expert players to unlock! -Relaxing, ambient soundtrack brings you into a rhythm and meditative state. Game by E McNeill Ported by War Drum Studios www.wardrumstudios.com

Screenshots

Osmos4 screens
Auralux1 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Auralux at Free against Osmos's $3.99. Auralux also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.4). Osmos's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and rating (4.8 vs 4.6). On review sentiment, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Auralux is free to download; Osmos costs $3.99 up front. Auralux sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Osmos asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Osmos holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 892 and 2.2K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 92% of Osmos's written reviews are positive against 85% of Auralux's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Osmos ships an update every 7 months, Auralux every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 4 level
Osmos versus Auralux: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOsmosAuralux
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.8 (892 ratings) — better4.6 (2.2K ratings)
Positive reviews92.3% of reviews — better85.3% of reviews
Number of ratings8922.2K — better
Update frequencyEvery 7 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
Best chart rank#81 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.48.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size48 MB52 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHemisphere GamesWar Drum Studios LLC

Customer experience

Osmos

All ratings892 ratings
Positive94.4%
Neutral2.2%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews1,212 reviews
Positive92.3%
Neutral3.2%
Negative4.5%

Auralux

All ratings2,198 ratings
Positive91.1%
Neutral2.5%
Negative6.5%
Written reviews1,005 reviews
Positive85.3%
Neutral5.3%
Negative9.5%

User reviews

Osmos

From 892 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🌟 Mesmerizing visuals and aesthetics
  • 🎶 Excellent soundtrack and audio design
  • 🧠 Challenging and thought-provoking gameplay
  • 🕰️ Ability to control time/speed
  • 🕊️ Relaxing and meditative experience

Room to improve

  • 🤯 Frustratingly difficult at times
  • 🔋 Battery drain issues
  • 🖥️ Not optimized for larger screens (iPad)
  • 🔍 Lack of zoom/scale controls

Auralux

From 2.2K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast-paced gameplay
  • 🎨 Beautiful visuals and audio
  • 🧠 Challenging and strategic
  • 👍 Relaxing and addictive
  • 🔒 No ads or in-app purchases

Room to improve

  • 🐢 Slow gameplay without speed mode
  • 🤖 AI can be overly aggressive
  • 🔢 Limited number of free levels
  • 🔀 Predictable enemy behavior
  • 🔄 Repetitive map layouts

Bugs and requests

Osmos

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Crashes on certain devices/OS versions
  • Compatibility issues with newer hardware

Requested features

4 requests
  • More levels and content updates
  • Multiplayer mode improvements
  • Customization options (e.g. music, visuals)
  • Difficulty settings or accessibility options

Auralux

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
  • Occasional crashes or freezes

Requested features

5 requests
  • Multiplayer mode
  • Customizable unit colors
  • Random map generator
  • More free levels
  • Ability to adjust gameplay speed

In-app purchases

None

Osmos

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Auralux

One-time10
  • Lyra Pack$0.99
  • Orion Pack$0.99
  • Speed Mode$0.99
Show 7 more
  • Vela Pack$0.99
  • Hydrus Pack$1.99
  • Caelum Pack$1.99
  • Aries Pack$1.99
  • Andromeda Pack$1.99
  • Aurora Pack$1.99
  • Combo Pack$2.99

Questions

Is Osmos free?
Osmos costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Auralux free?
Auralux is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Osmos or Auralux?
Osmos is rated higher. Osmos averages 4.8 out of 5 from 892 ratings, while Auralux averages 4.6 from 2.2K ratings.
Do Osmos or Auralux have ads?
Neither Osmos nor Auralux shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Osmos or Auralux?
Osmos ships an update every 7 months, and Auralux every 3 months. Most recently, Osmos was updated on September 26, 2026 and Auralux on September 22, 2026.

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