Hand BASIC vs pocket BASIC
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Hand BASIC
Learn and program in BASIC language on your mobile device. This app offers a compatible version of Commodore's BASIC, ideal for students, scientists, and productivity workers. It includes a text editor, file management, and optional graphics extensions.
- Commodore 64 BASIC V2 compatible
- Full-speed execution on device
- Load/save files with directory creation
- Full-featured iPhone text editor
- Optional graphics extension with GML
- In-app help and sample code
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Learn and Program BASIC Language on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad! Hand BASIC - CBM Flavor is a compatible version of Commodore's version of Microsoft BASIC 6502 as found on the Commodore 64. Released for Educational purposes. BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is a computer language designed so that it can be learned very easily. Hand BASIC users could be students, scientists, or any productivity workers. Type HELP to get started! *** Credits for CBMBASIC go to Michael Steil and James Abbatiello *** Features + Compatible with Commodore 64 BASIC V2 + It is not emulated, it runs with your device full speed + The ability to LOAD/SAVE files (case sensitive file names) + File I/O Support (Read/Write data files) + Full featured iPhone Text Editor to build your programs + The ability to make directories ** NEW ** + Provided with helpful Direct Mode Commands (nonstandard, see support webpage) + Renumber your program, plus other helpful file keeping functionality + Alert Sounds + In App Help (type HELP) + Portrait/Landscape Views + Supplied with Sample code (type FILES to see list). Now available through In-App Purchase: Graphics Extension: Empowers you to create complex graphics from simple graphic objects Features + Draw simple graphic objects: lines, rectangles, circles, text, ... + Draw at the super speed of your device + Make animations + Use Graphics Macro Language (GML) to draw objects + Define your colors with alpha channel (32bit color with transparency) + Select your drawn text font face and size + Interact with user taps + Assistant for typing Graphic Commands + Enables you to run included Graphic Sample Programs(10 samples) To find more details type HELP then select Graphics Extension Reference To open Graphics Extension Purchase Screen: - Type: PURCHASE - Type: ACTION then select Purchase - Or, run a program that uses Graphics Make sure to check out App Blog Page: cbmhandbasic.blogspot.com Please Note: - This is not Commodore 64 emulator. It is “Standalone” BASIC of Commodore 64. - Basic knowledge of Commodore 64 BASIC V2 is needed to use this App or just Read FAQ's. - While BASIC requires all commands to be capitalized (Lock Caps by double taping), commands will be automatically capitalized - Since this is not Commodore emulator, PEEK/POKE does not work. See New Commands for alternatives - Only ASCII characters are supported - iPad has different Graphics Extension than ordinary one (sold separately) Visit "Hawwash-Soft" page on iTunes for more Free App's Have Fun!
pocket BASIC
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Pocket BASIC brings back the simplicity and charm of classic BASIC, reimagined for modern iOS and macOS devices. Write code, perform calculations, and visualize functions instantly — all in one lightweight environment. Why Pocket BASIC? - Instant coding - Write and run BASIC programs in seconds — no compilation, no friction. - Clean and focused interface - Designed for clarity, with an integrated editor, console, and tools. - Perfect for learning and experimenting - Great for understanding programming fundamentals or building small utilities. - Works offline. No internet connection required. Your programs stay on your device. Features - Full BASIC interpreter inspired by classic systems - Built-in editor with immediate execution - Console, calculator, and simple graphics modes - Powerful scientific calculator for quick calculations and everyday use - Function graphing with interactive visualization - Import/export programs easily - QR code support for sharing code - Integration with iOS Shortcuts (run scripts directly) - Lightweight and fast Who is it for? - Beginners learning programming - Developers who love retro computing - Students - Anyone who wants quick, practical scripts on their device A modern take on a classic Pocket BASIC is not just nostalgia — it’s a practical tool for today. From simple calculations to small utilities, it’s like having a tiny programmable assistant in your pocket.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: pocket BASIC at none against Hand BASIC's 2. Hand BASIC's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.6). On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. Hand BASIC sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. pocket BASIC asks for nothing beyond the download.
Hand BASIC ships an update every 5 weeks, pocket BASIC monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Hand BASIC | pocket BASIC |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (45 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 83.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 45 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | Monthly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 — better | 15.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 2 MB | 2 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Ahmad Hawwash | Leonardo Del Nonno |
Bugs and requests
Hand BASIC
Reported bugs
11 issues- Infinite loops freeze the app with no way to stop execution
- Graphics mode (SCREEN 1) pops up briefly then disappears
- On-screen keyboard functions dance around screen on iPad with external keyboard
- Low Power Mode cuts program speed in half on iPhone
- Program runs original version instead of edited version
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- Syntax errors on valid BASIC commands
- Copy/paste of programs doesn't work properly
- Line editing requires retyping entire lines for corrections
- Help and FAQ pages no longer accessible
- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Graphics extension removed in updates, requiring repurchase
Requested features
16 requests- Run/Stop button to break out of infinite loops
- Bluetooth keyboard support
- Changeable font options
- Copy/paste functionality
- PEEK and POKE command support
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- Ability to delete programs
- Print AT function for neater output
- INPUT command support
- Web service integration
- Files app integration
- PC version of the app
- Compiler for standalone app creation
- Import/export .BAS files
- Full C64 character set support
- Cursor color customization
- Function keys and CTRL support
pocket BASIC
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Hand BASIC
- Graphics Extension$9.99
- Graphics Extension for iPad$9.99
pocket BASIC
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Hand BASIC free?
Is pocket BASIC free?
Do Hand BASIC or pocket BASIC have ads?
Which is updated more often, Hand BASIC or pocket BASIC?
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