# DraftCode for PHP IDE vs Code Editor

The clearest difference is price: Code Editor at Free against DraftCode for PHP IDE's $4.99. Code Editor also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.6). DraftCode for PHP IDE's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 3.2) and ads (none vs shown). On ratings volume, in-app purchases, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

Code Editor is free to download; DraftCode for PHP IDE costs $4.99 up front. DraftCode for PHP IDE sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Code Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

DraftCode for PHP IDE holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 88 and 43 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of DraftCode for PHP IDE's written reviews are positive against 54% of Code Editor's.

DraftCode for PHP IDE ships an update every 3 months, Code Editor every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | DraftCode for PHP IDE | Code Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (88 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draftcode-for-php-ide/id593757593/reviews)** | [3.2 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **88** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **65.8% of reviews** | 53.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#68** | #89 |
| Size | 184 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Solesignal Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/402984346) | [Rhythm Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581290512) |

## What reviewers say

### DraftCode for PHP IDE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/draftcode-for-php-ide/id593757593)

**Currently charting:** #68 Top Paid · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Develop and run PHP, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS locally on your mobile device or Mac without an internet connection. Supports complex applications like WordPress and phpMyAdmin, with flexible workspace options and a comprehensive PHP stack.

**Highlights:** Offline PHP, JS, HTML, CSS execution, Run complex apps like WordPress, Custom workspace folder support, Session Inspector and error display, PHP and JS syntax coloring, Composer support for dependency management

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PHP 7.2 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 7.3 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.2 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.1 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.0.28 Runtime | Free | one-time |
| PHP 8.5 Runtime | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Full PHP runtime on iOS device
- 👍 Intuitive and simple user interface
- 💻 Ability to run WordPress locally on iPad
- 🔌 Works offline without internet connection
- 📱 Enables mobile web development workflow

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Scrolling snaps back to starting position
- 🐛 Undo function jumps arbitrary steps
- 🐛 Text editor lacks modern features
- ❌ Cannot access served content from Safari
- ❌ No FTP or cloud storage integration

**Reported bugs**

- Scrolling snaps back to original position
- Undo function deletes arbitrary number of steps
- App freezes after entering characters
- Crashes on iOS 9 and older versions
- JavaScript console viewer always empty

**Requested features**

- Search and find/replace functionality
- FTP and Dropbox integration
- Updated PHP versions
- Multiple syntax highlighting themes
- Git/GitHub integration


### Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510)

**Currently charting:** #89 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app is a powerful mobile code editor and compiler designed for programmers. It offers syntax highlighting for numerous languages, code assistance, and the ability to compile and run code directly on your device. Access files from cloud storage and version control systems, with customizable themes and extensive editing features.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 110+ languages, Online compiler for 30+ languages, Code assist and auto-completion, Multi-tab navigation, Unlimited undo/redo, Cloud file access (FTP, WebDAV, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), GitHub/GitLab integration

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads (Forever) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for coding on the go
- 👍 Supports many languages
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 👍 Good for learning and quick edits
- 👍 Minimal ads (for some users)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Unskippable, full-screen ads
- 😠 Ads after every file operation
- 😠 Ads interrupt workflow
- 😠 Frequent and intrusive ads
- 😠 Paid version still has ads

**Reported bugs**

- Uninterruptible ads
- Cannot create new files
- Cannot copy files
- Sidebar cannot be reopened after closing
- Cannot save files

**Requested features**

- SFTP protocol connection
- Add a run button
- Error indicator during typing
- Custom keyboard with coding symbols
- Ability to edit visual styles/syntax coloring


## Frequently asked questions

### Is DraftCode for PHP IDE free?

DraftCode for PHP IDE costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Code Editor free?

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

### Which has better reviews, DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor?

DraftCode for PHP IDE is rated higher. DraftCode for PHP IDE averages 4.5 out of 5 from 88 ratings, while Code Editor averages 3.2 from 43 ratings.

### Do DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor have ads?

Code Editor shows ads; DraftCode for PHP IDE does not.

### Which is updated more often, DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor?

DraftCode for PHP IDE ships an update every 3 months, and Code Editor every 5 weeks. Most recently, DraftCode for PHP IDE was updated on September 30, 2026 and Code Editor on September 28, 2026.

### Which is more popular, DraftCode for PHP IDE or Code Editor?

DraftCode for PHP IDE currently peaks at #68 in the App Store charts, and Code Editor at #89. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*