# Basic Calculator vs Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape

The clearest difference is rating: Basic Calculator at 4.8 against Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape's 2.4. Basic Calculator also leads on ratings volume (3.2K vs 39) and review sentiment (74% vs 56%). Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (8.1 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Basic Calculator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Basic Calculator holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Basic Calculator has 3.2K ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 74% of Basic Calculator's written reviews are positive against 56% of Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape's.

Basic Calculator ships an update every 2 months, Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Basic Calculator | Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-calculator-classic-calc/id430271248/reviews)** | [2.4 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adding-tape-ii-adding-machine-with-virtual-tape/id449466771/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3.2K** | 39 |
| Positive reviews | **74.3% of reviews** | 55.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 100 MB | 33 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **8.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobArts](https://appshunter.io/developer/429185872) | [Joe Fratianni](https://appshunter.io/developer/335895989) |

## What reviewers say

### Basic Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-calculator-classic-calc/id430271248)

A free, classic calculator app with large, easy-to-press buttons and customizable skins. It supports basic arithmetic, memory functions, and can handle very large numbers without using scientific notation. Multitasking is also supported on compatible devices.

**Highlights:** Large, easy-to-press buttons, Multiple beautiful skins, Basic arithmetic operations, Standard memory functions, Supports large numbers (up to 60 digits), Multitasking support (Split View, Slide Over)

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Banner Ad Removal | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Simple and easy to use
- 💡 Useful copy and paste functions
- 👍 Clear and large display
- 👍 Variety of skins/themes
- 👍 Responsive and fast

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues with iOS updates
- 🐛 Inaccurate calculations with larger numbers
- 🔋 Slow load times
- 🔍 Intrusive ads

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes or freezes after iOS updates
- Percent key not functioning correctly

**Requested features**

- Reinstate iPhone version
- Add scientific calculator functions
- Improve memory retention


### Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/adding-tape-ii-adding-machine-with-virtual-tape/id449466771)

This app functions as a virtual adding machine, providing a digital tape to record and verify calculations. It allows for easy addition and subtraction of numbers with decimal places, with features like unlimited undo and a scrollable tape for checking work. Optional pro features expand functionality to include multiplication, division, and advanced tape management.

**Highlights:** Virtual tape for recording calculations, Unlimited undo functionality, Scrollable tape for easy review, Edit mode to delete individual entries, Remembers tape between sessions, Copy numbers from tape

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Upgrade | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Basic Calculator free?

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

### Is Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape free?

Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Basic Calculator or Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape?

Basic Calculator is rated higher. Basic Calculator averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.2K ratings, while Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape averages 2.4 from 39 ratings.

### Do Basic Calculator or Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape have ads?

Basic Calculator shows ads; Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape does not.

### Which is updated more often, Basic Calculator or Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape?

Basic Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape every 6 months. Most recently, Basic Calculator was updated on October 15, 2026 and Adding Tape II adding machine with virtual tape on October 8, 2026.

---

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