# SDK85 vs Classic BASIC

The clearest difference is price: SDK85 at Free against Classic BASIC's $2.99. Classic BASIC's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 4.0) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

SDK85 is free to download; Classic BASIC costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Classic BASIC holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

SDK85 ships an update every 2 weeks, Classic BASIC weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SDK85 | Classic BASIC |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $2.99 |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sdk85/id6443719532/reviews) | **[4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-basic/id6780277386/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **2** |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Size | 12 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Juergen Schuck](https://appshunter.io/developer/1616701349) | [Nathan Baughman](https://appshunter.io/developer/1802995512) |

## What reviewers say

### SDK85

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sdk85/id6443719532)

This app emulates the Intel SDK-85 System Design Kit, allowing users to program and execute 8085 machine code. It features a hexpad, seven-segment display, and a monitor program, with an optional TTY mode for more comfortable input.

**Highlights:** 8085 microprocessor emulation, Hexpad and seven-segment display UI, Monitor program for code entry/execution, TTY mode for serial terminal input, Code execution suspension to save battery, Play/pause button for resuming execution

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Classic BASIC

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-basic/id6780277386)

A retro-inspired BASIC programming environment for modern devices. Write, run, and save line-numbered programs with classic commands and graphics. Includes built-in examples, games, and a programming guide for an approachable learning experience.

**Highlights:** Line-numbered BASIC programming, Built-in program catalog, Classic BASIC commands, Graphics commands, Built-in games, Programming guidebook

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SDK85 free?

SDK85 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Classic BASIC free?

Classic BASIC costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SDK85 or Classic BASIC?

Classic BASIC is rated higher. SDK85 averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Classic BASIC averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do SDK85 or Classic BASIC have ads?

Neither SDK85 nor Classic BASIC shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SDK85 or Classic BASIC?

SDK85 ships an update every 2 weeks, and Classic BASIC weekly. Most recently, SDK85 was updated on October 24, 2026 and Classic BASIC on October 18, 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.*