# FastCalc lite vs Nixie Calculator

The clearest difference is rating: Nixie Calculator at 4.9 against FastCalc lite's 3.8. Nixie Calculator also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). FastCalc lite's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Nixie Calculator sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. FastCalc lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

Nixie Calculator holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 15 and 15 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 73% of FastCalc lite's written reviews are positive against 67% of Nixie Calculator's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

FastCalc lite ships an update every 5 months, Nixie Calculator monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | FastCalc lite | Nixie Calculator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fastcalc-lite/id432417448/reviews) | **[4.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nixie-calculator/id1489019109/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 15 | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **73.3% of reviews** | 66.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andre Ponzo](https://appshunter.io/developer/350419997) | [UNB SYSTEMS PTY LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1514057763) |

## What reviewers say

### FastCalc lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fastcalc-lite/id432417448)

This calculator app offers a streamlined experience with large, easy-to-use keys and a permanent display of your calculations. It automatically shows results as you type, eliminating the need for an equals button.

**Highlights:** Large, easy-to-read keys, Permanent expression display, Automatic result display, Gesture-based interface, Integrated help videos

**In-app purchases:** none


### Nixie Calculator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nixie-calculator/id1489019109)

This calculator app features a digital paper tape to display entries, which can be copied or shared. It offers various customization options like color schemes, rounding, and display modes, blending retro aesthetics with modern device technology.

**Highlights:** Paper tape for entry display, Copy and paste functionality, Customizable color schemes, Adjustable rounding and exponential modes, Classic Nixie font option, Thousand separator styles

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Color Layouts | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is FastCalc lite free?

FastCalc lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Nixie Calculator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, FastCalc lite or Nixie Calculator?

Nixie Calculator is rated higher. FastCalc lite averages 3.8 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Nixie Calculator averages 4.9 from 15 ratings.

### Do FastCalc lite or Nixie Calculator have ads?

Neither FastCalc lite nor Nixie Calculator shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, FastCalc lite or Nixie Calculator?

FastCalc lite ships an update every 5 months, and Nixie Calculator monthly. Most recently, FastCalc lite was updated on November 1, 2026 and Nixie Calculator on November 3, 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.*