# Osmos vs Auralux

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Osmos | Auralux |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (892 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmos/id382991304/reviews)** | [4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auralux/id604580669/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 892 | **2.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **92.3% of reviews** | 85.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#39** | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.4 | **8.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hemisphere Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/379323385) | [War Drum Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/524811314) |

## What reviewers say

### Osmos

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/osmos/id382991304)

**Currently charting:** #39 Top Paid · Puzzle, #72 Top Paid · Simulation (US App Store)

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:** Game Controller support, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

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


### Auralux

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auralux/id604580669)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lyra Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Orion Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Speed Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vela Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hydrus Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Caelum Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aries Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Andromeda Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aurora Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Combo Pack | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

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

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

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


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