# Merge Stars vs Idle.py

The clearest difference is ads: Idle.py at none against Merge Stars's shown. Idle.py also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 7 months). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Merge Stars sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Idle.py sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Merge Stars ships an update every 7 months, Idle.py weekly. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Merge Stars | Idle.py |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-stars-mix-planet-games/id6443441328/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **19** | — |
| Positive reviews | 42.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 112 MB | 39 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [冰 冯](https://appshunter.io/developer/1490741402) | [Byte Insights Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1895839252) |

## What reviewers say

### Merge Stars

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-stars-mix-planet-games/id6443441328)

Explore a vast universe by synthesizing new planets. This casual game offers an addictive experience with evolving cosmic rules to discover. Embark on a journey from the moon to distant worlds.

**Highlights:** Planet synthesis, Universe exploration, Casual gameplay, Evolving cosmic rules, Starry universe theme

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Rubies | $0.99 | one-time |
| 30 Rubies | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads for Merge Stars | $2.99 | one-time |
| 80 Rubies | $3.99 | one-time |
| 150 Rubies | $5.99 | one-time |
| 300 Rubies | $9.99 | one-time |


### Idle.py

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idlepy-python-tutorial-game/id6764583534)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Mentor Pack | Free | one-time |
| +5 Insight | $0.99 | one-time |
| Skip 4 Hours | $0.99 | one-time |
| Skip 24 Hours | $1.99 | one-time |
| +15 Insight | $2.99 | one-time |
| Founder Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Skip 7 Days | $3.99 | one-time |
| Sandbox Mode | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Merge Stars free?

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

### Is Idle.py free?

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

### Do Merge Stars or Idle.py have ads?

Merge Stars shows ads; Idle.py does not.

### Which is updated more often, Merge Stars or Idle.py?

Merge Stars ships an update every 7 months, and Idle.py weekly. Most recently, Merge Stars was updated on October 25, 2026 and Idle.py on October 25, 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.*