# Basic Calculator+ vs CalAI

The clearest difference is rating: Basic Calculator+ at 4.9 against CalAI's 3.7. Basic Calculator+ also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 5) and ratings volume (261K vs 3). CalAI's advantage is update cadence (every 5 days vs every 4 months). On price, ads, monetization model and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. CalAI sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Basic Calculator+ asks for nothing beyond the download.

Basic Calculator+ holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Basic Calculator+ has 261K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Basic Calculator+ ships an update every 4 months, CalAI every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Basic Calculator+ | CalAI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (261K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-calculator-plus/id539356791/reviews)** | [3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calai-ai-calorie-counter/id6451266190/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **261K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 87.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 50 MB | 73 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Best Free Apps](https://appshunter.io/developer/539356794) | [FlashSoft OU](https://appshunter.io/developer/1751096302) |

## What reviewers say

### Basic Calculator+

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/basic-calculator-plus/id539356791)

Perform essential arithmetic operations with a straightforward calculator app. Its large buttons and clear display ensure ease of use, supporting both portrait and landscape orientations.

**Highlights:** Basic four functions, Clear display, Large buttons, Portrait and landscape modes, iPad compatible

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Large, clear buttons
- 👍 Straightforward, basic functionality
- 👍 No ads or in-app purchases
- 👍 Works well on iPad

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inconsistent click volume
- 🐛 Ads can be intrusive or disruptive
- 🐛 Missing backspace/delete function

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect calculation results
- Ads covering the screen

**Requested features**

- Add fraction button
- Implement order of operations
- Include memory function


### CalAI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/calai-ai-calorie-counter/id6451266190)

Easily track your food intake with AI-powered photo analysis and barcode scanning. Set personalized macro targets and monitor your progress towards weight goals. Features include meal logging, progress charts, and health integrations.

**Highlights:** AI photo food analysis, Barcode scanner, Personalized macro targets, Weight loss/gain tracking, Progress charts and reports, Apple Health integration, Meal reminders

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Meal Tracker - 1 month premium | $7.99 | per month |
| Meal Tracker - 1 week premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Meal Tracker - 1 week premium | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Meal Tracker -6 months premium | $24.99 | per 6 months |
| Meal Tracker - 1 year premium | $34.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Basic Calculator+ free?

Basic Calculator+ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is CalAI free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Basic Calculator+ or CalAI?

Basic Calculator+ is rated higher. Basic Calculator+ averages 4.9 out of 5 from 261K ratings, while CalAI averages 3.7 from 3 ratings.

### Do Basic Calculator+ or CalAI have ads?

Both Basic Calculator+ and CalAI show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Basic Calculator+ or CalAI?

Basic Calculator+ ships an update every 4 months, and CalAI every 5 days. Most recently, Basic Calculator+ was updated on November 10, 2026 and CalAI 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.*