# Starbase Orion vs Star Command

The clearest difference is rating: Starbase Orion at 4.7 against Star Command's 4.0. Starbase Orion also leads on review sentiment (81% vs 66%) and iOS requirement (11.2 vs 15.6). Star Command's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months) and price ($2.99 vs $7.99). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Starbase Orion costs $7.99 and Star Command $2.99 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 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 329 and 905 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 81% of Starbase Orion's written reviews are positive against 66% of Star Command's.

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, Star Command every 10 days. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Starbase Orion | Star Command |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (329 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starbase-orion/id438375580/reviews)** | [4.0 (905 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-command/id632079234/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 329 | **905** |
| Positive reviews | **81.2% of reviews** | 66.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#119** |
| Size | 239 MB | 101 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Chimera Software, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/347752625) | [Star Command, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/632079238) |

## 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


### Star Command

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/star-command/id632079234)

**Currently charting:** #119 Top Paid · Strategy, #139 Top Paid · Simulation (US App Store)

Command your own starship, recruit and level up your crew, and explore a vast universe. Engage in tactical combat, manage ship roles, and make decisions that impact your journey through space.

**Highlights:** Build and command your starship, Hire and level up crew members, Explore the universe, Defend against alien civilizations, Tactical combat and ship management, Multiple ship hull choices, Discover alien species

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Amazing game
- 🚀 Fun and challenging gameplay
- 🚀 Great music and visuals
- 👍 No in-app purchases
- 👍 Replayability

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🐛 UI issues (e.g. buttons off-screen)
- 🔍 Short story/content
- 🔍 Repetitive gameplay
- 🔍 Lack of updates/new content

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on startup
- Crew members getting stuck or lost
- Weapons/UI elements disappearing
- Progression/save data issues

**Requested features**

- More ships, rooms, and customization options
- Expanded story and missions
- Multiplayer and co-op modes
- Ability to board enemy ships
- Improved crew management and AI


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Starbase Orion free?

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

### Is Star Command free?

Star Command costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Starbase Orion or Star Command?

Starbase Orion is rated higher. Starbase Orion averages 4.7 out of 5 from 329 ratings, while Star Command averages 4.0 from 905 ratings.

### Do Starbase Orion or Star Command have ads?

Neither Starbase Orion nor Star Command shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Starbase Orion or Star Command?

Starbase Orion ships an update every 3 months, and Star Command every 10 days. Most recently, Starbase Orion was updated on September 23, 2026 and Star Command on September 23, 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.*