# Helix vs Laser Panic

The clearest difference is price: Laser Panic at Free against Helix's $3.99. Laser Panic also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 40 months). Helix's advantage is rating (4.7 vs 3.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Laser Panic is free to download; Helix costs $3.99 up front. Laser Panic sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Helix asks for nothing beyond the download.

Helix holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Helix has 35 ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Helix's written reviews are positive against 70% of Laser Panic's.

Helix ships an update every 40 months, Laser Panic every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 15, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Helix | Laser Panic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (35 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helix/id562550427/reviews)** | [3.0 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laser-panic/id6504173021/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **35** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | **80.4% of reviews** | 70.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 40 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 12 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Michael Brough](https://appshunter.io/developer/490257881) | [Dawid Fatyga](https://appshunter.io/developer/1751236984) |

## What reviewers say

### Helix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/helix/id562550427)

Experience a frantic arcade challenge with precise touchscreen controls. This "anti-shmup" game focuses on avoiding and encircling enemies with unique twists. It's a critically acclaimed title recognized for its innovative design.

**Highlights:** Frantic arcade gameplay, Precise touchscreen controls, Avoid and encircle enemies, Unique gameplay twists, Critically acclaimed design

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Addictive gameplay
- 🎶 Catchy soundtrack
- 🎨 Unique art style
- 🚀 Smooth controls
- 💡 Innovative mechanics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😵 Repetitive gameplay
- 📱 Frustrating on phone
- 🤔 Not enough content
- 👎 Crude graphics
- 😵 Boring

**Reported bugs**

- 🐛 Skewed off iPad screen
- 🐛 Black bars on sides (iOS 9.3)
- 🐛 Floaty and inaccurate controls
- 🐛 Ugly app design and UI

**Requested features**

- Optimization for larger screens (iPad, iPhone 6/6+)
- More variety and content


### Laser Panic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laser-panic/id6504173021)

Navigate a robot through challenging levels, collecting gold and dodging lasers. Inspired by arcade classics, this game offers fast-paced action and modern graphics. An optional upgrade unlocks a unique Pac-Man mode.

**Highlights:** Collect gold beacons, Dodge lasers, Escape through sliding doors, High score focus, Multiple levels, Modern graphics, Optional Pac-Man mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pac-Man Mode | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Helix free?

Helix costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Laser Panic free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Helix or Laser Panic?

Helix is rated higher. Helix averages 4.7 out of 5 from 35 ratings, while Laser Panic averages 3.0 from 6 ratings.

### Do Helix or Laser Panic have ads?

Neither Helix nor Laser Panic shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Helix or Laser Panic?

Helix ships an update every 40 months, and Laser Panic every 2 months. Most recently, Helix was updated on October 15, 2026 and Laser Panic on September 29, 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.*