# Starbase Orion vs PlanetBuilder

The clearest difference is rating: Starbase Orion at 4.7 against PlanetBuilder's 4.1. Starbase Orion also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 26 months) and ratings volume (329 vs 7). PlanetBuilder's advantage is price ($0.99 vs $7.99). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Starbase Orion costs $7.99 and PlanetBuilder $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Starbase Orion holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Starbase Orion has 329 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Starbase Orion's written reviews are positive against 71% of PlanetBuilder's.

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, PlanetBuilder every 26 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starbase Orion | PlanetBuilder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **$0.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580/reviews)** | [4.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planetbuilder/id547202735/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **329** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **81.2% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 26 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 239 MB | 90 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Chimera Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/347752625) | [Strange Labs LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/547202738) |

## What reviewers say

### Starbase Orion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580)

Engage in a deep 4X space strategy experience. Explore, expand, and conquer the galaxy by colonizing worlds, designing ships, and outmaneuvering opponents in turn-based combat. Features a robust AI and multiplayer options for galactic domination.

**Highlights:** Explore new worlds, Expand your empire, Exterminate rivals, Design custom ships, Engage in turn-based combat, Diplomacy and espionage, Multiplayer via GameCenter

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent 4x strategy game
- 👍 Faithful recreation of Master of Orion
- 🚀 Continuously updated with new features
- 👍 Vibrant player community
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay and intuitive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 🔍 Limited diplomacy and foreign relations
- 🔍 Automated combat lacks depth
- 🔍 Repetitive late-game experience
- 🔍 Outdated visuals

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes and save file corruption
- UI issues with overlapping text and unresponsive controls
- Multiplayer matchmaking and connectivity problems

**Requested features**

- More ship classes and customization options
- Expanded tech tree and research system
- Deeper diplomacy and espionage mechanics
- Manual control of ship combat
- Improved end-game content and victory conditions


### PlanetBuilder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/planetbuilder/id547202735)

Shape cosmic debris into a living planet, bending gravity to your will. Defend your creation from deadly debris and hostile alien forces as life evolves and civilization rises.

**Highlights:** Shape cosmic debris into a planet, Bend gravity to manipulate your world, Defend against cosmic debris and alien forces, Witness life evolve and civilization rise, Adapt to challenges as your world grows

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starbase Orion free?

Starbase Orion costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is PlanetBuilder free?

PlanetBuilder costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starbase Orion or PlanetBuilder?

Starbase Orion is rated higher. Starbase Orion averages 4.7 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while PlanetBuilder averages 4.1 from 7 ratings.

### Do Starbase Orion or PlanetBuilder have ads?

Neither Starbase Orion nor PlanetBuilder shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starbase Orion or PlanetBuilder?

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, and PlanetBuilder every 26 months. Most recently, Starbase Orion was updated on October 21, 2026 and PlanetBuilder on October 11, 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.*