# Basic Calculator vs MechMath

The clearest difference is ads: MechMath at none against Basic Calculator's shown. MechMath also leads on update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Basic Calculator's advantage is ratings volume (3.2K vs 2). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Basic Calculator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and MechMath sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

MechMath holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Basic Calculator has 3.2K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Basic Calculator's written reviews are positive against 100% of MechMath's.

Basic Calculator ships an update every 2 months, MechMath every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Basic Calculator | MechMath |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (3.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-calculator-classic-calc/id430271248/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mechmath-calculator/id6446764044/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3.2K** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 75.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 100 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [MobArts](https://appshunter.io/developer/429185872) | [志鹏 刘](https://appshunter.io/developer/1184833270) |

## 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


### MechMath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mechmath-calculator/id6446764044)

A visually appealing and user-friendly calculator designed with a mechanical keyboard aesthetic. It offers basic arithmetic functions for integers and decimals, featuring satisfying sound effects with each button press.

**Highlights:** Mechanical keyboard UI, Button sound effects, Basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, divide), Integer and decimal support, Clean and simple design

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CalculatorPro | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Basic Calculator free?

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

### Is MechMath free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Basic Calculator or MechMath?

MechMath is rated higher. Basic Calculator averages 4.8 out of 5 from 3.2K ratings, while MechMath averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Basic Calculator or MechMath have ads?

Basic Calculator shows ads; MechMath does not.

### Which is updated more often, Basic Calculator or MechMath?

Basic Calculator ships an update every 2 months, and MechMath every 4 days. Most recently, Basic Calculator was updated on October 18, 2026 and MechMath on October 9, 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.*