# Auralux vs Orbit

The clearest difference is ads: Auralux at none against Orbit's shown. Auralux also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). Orbit's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and review sentiment (94% vs 85%). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Auralux sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Orbit sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Orbit holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.2K and 7.6K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Auralux's written reviews are positive against 94% of Orbit's.

Auralux ships an update every 3 months, Orbit every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 16, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Auralux | Orbit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (2.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auralux/id604580669/reviews) | **[4.8 (7.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbit-playing-with-gravity/id991457817/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2.2K | **7.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 85.3% of reviews | **94.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 52 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [War Drum Studios LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/524811314) | [HIGHKEY Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1170680369) |

## What reviewers say

### Auralux

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/auralux/id604580669)

This abstract real-time strategy game offers a minimalist experience with a focus on clever tactics over reflexes. Command a single unit type with simple orders, starting on equal footing with opponents. Enjoy a relaxing, cerebral challenge with a vibrant aesthetic and ambient soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Abstract real-time strategy gameplay, Minimalist graphics and ambient soundtrack, Simple unit command and orders, Equal starting resources for all players, Multiple game modes (Normal, Speed, Secret), Optimized for touch screen devices

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lyra Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Orion Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Speed Mode | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vela Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hydrus Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Caelum Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aries Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Andromeda Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Aurora Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Combo Pack | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast-paced gameplay
- 🎨 Beautiful visuals and audio
- 🧠 Challenging and strategic
- 👍 Relaxing and addictive
- 🔒 No ads or in-app purchases

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐢 Slow gameplay without speed mode
- 🤖 AI can be overly aggressive
- 🔢 Limited number of free levels
- 🔀 Predictable enemy behavior
- 🔄 Repetitive map layouts

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions
- Occasional crashes or freezes

**Requested features**

- Multiplayer mode
- Customizable unit colors
- Random map generator
- More free levels
- Ability to adjust gameplay speed


### Orbit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/orbit-playing-with-gravity/id991457817)

This app is a meditative physics puzzler where you launch planets to create stable orbits around black holes. Explore a variety of levels, create your own challenges in a sandbox mode, and enjoy a visually artistic and relaxing experience.

**Highlights:** Gravity simulation puzzles, Create stable orbits, Sandbox mode for level creation, Community-created levels, Visual orbital mechanics, Minimalist graphics and relaxing music

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| $1 contribution | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| $2 contribution | $1.99 | one-time |
| $3 contribution | $2.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Sandbox (and remove ads) | $2.99 | one-time |
| $5 contribution | $4.99 | one-time |
| $10 contribution | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fire game
- 👍 Relaxing and Enjoyable
- 👍 Calming, fun, stimulating, humble
- 👍 Simple and yet complicated
- 👍 Elegant and easy

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 In app purchased not reicevied
- 🐛 Purchase didn't work for sandbox & ad removal but it's fun.
- 🔒 Be ware of your data
- 🐛 Love-hate

**Reported bugs**

- In app purchase not received
- Sandbox mode not working
- Game crashing and unable to open

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to zoom in and out
- Ability to rotate the game to landscape on iPad
- Ability to edit and move existing objects in sandbox mode
- Ability to name planets and add moons


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Auralux free?

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

### Is Orbit free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Auralux or Orbit?

Orbit is rated higher. Auralux averages 4.6 out of 5 from 2.2K ratings, while Orbit averages 4.8 from 7.6K ratings.

### Do Auralux or Orbit have ads?

Orbit shows ads; Auralux does not.

### Which is updated more often, Auralux or Orbit?

Auralux ships an update every 3 months, and Orbit every 2 months. Most recently, Auralux was updated on October 16, 2026 and Orbit on October 16, 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.*