# Lua IDE vs CraftOS

The clearest difference is rating: CraftOS at 4.8 against Lua IDE's 3.5. CraftOS also leads on review sentiment (88% vs 50%) and monetization model (free vs freemium). Lua IDE's advantage is update cadence (every 6 weeks vs every 4 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Lua IDE sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and CraftOS sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

CraftOS holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Lua IDE's written reviews are positive against 88% of CraftOS's.

Lua IDE ships an update every 6 weeks, CraftOS every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Lua IDE | CraftOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.5 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lua-ide-learn-lua-coding/id638219114/reviews) | **[4.8 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/craftos-pc/id1565893014/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **17** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **88.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 95 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [盼军 崔](https://appshunter.io/developer/567286451) | [Jack Bruienne](https://appshunter.io/developer/1542538425) |

## What reviewers say

### Lua IDE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lua-ide-learn-lua-coding/id638219114)

This app provides a comprehensive environment for learning and coding in Lua. It features a code editor, file manager, and an integrated interpreter for testing and running scripts.

**Highlights:** Standalone Lua interpreter, Feature-rich code editor, Intuitive file manager, Interactive learning environment, Multi-file project support, Terminal integration, ANSI escape code support

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

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $9.99 | per year |
| Buy me a coffee | $2.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Pro | $14.99 | one-time |


### CraftOS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/craftos-pc/id1565893014)

This app emulates a classic text-based computer environment, allowing you to write and run Lua programs. It's perfect for learning to code or exploring existing programs from a popular Minecraft mod, all within a retro terminal interface.

**Highlights:** Lua 5.2+ scripting environment, 16-color text-based terminal, Virtual filesystem, Built-in shell, Extensive APIs, Compatibility with ComputerCraft programs, Exclusive graphics mode

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plugin Collection 1 | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Lua IDE free?

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

### Is CraftOS free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Lua IDE or CraftOS?

CraftOS is rated higher. Lua IDE averages 3.5 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while CraftOS averages 4.8 from 17 ratings.

### Do Lua IDE or CraftOS have ads?

Neither Lua IDE nor CraftOS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Lua IDE or CraftOS?

Lua IDE ships an update every 6 weeks, and CraftOS every 4 months. Most recently, Lua IDE was updated on October 3, 2026 and CraftOS on October 6, 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.*