Comparison

BBCBasic vs QuackBASIC

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BBCBasic

This app implements the classic BBC BASIC programming language with modern enhancements. It supports advanced graphics, physics, multimedia, and networking, while maintaining compatibility with the original BBC Microcomputer.

Highlights
  • 2D and 3D graphics
  • Shader programming
  • 2D physics engine
  • Stereo music and sound effects
  • Video playback
  • Networking support
  • Accelerometer support
Features
Read full description

BBC BASIC is the programming language originally specified and adopted by the British Broadcasting Corporation for its groundbreaking Computer Literacy Project of the early 1980s. This is an advanced, cross-platform, implementation with many enhancements over early versions. As well as extensions to the language it supports anti-aliased 2D graphics, 3D graphics, shader programming and includes a 2D physics engine. Its multimedia capabilities include stereo music, sound effects and video. It supports networking and the accelerometer. Nevertheless it maintains a high degree of compatibility with the BBC Microcomputer, including SOUND, ENVELOPE and MODE 7.

About

QuackBASIC

Learn and code in BASIC programming with a user-friendly interpreter. Write, execute, and debug programs on your device, with full language support and preloaded examples. Relive the charm of classic programming with a retro design.

Highlights
  • Write and execute BASIC code
  • Full language support
  • Interactive library with explanations
  • Preloaded example programs
  • Retro-inspired design
  • Save and load projects
  • Customizable settings
Features
Read full description

Learn, Code, and Relive the Golden Era of Programming! Bring the nostalgic experience of BASIC programming to your fingertips with this powerful yet easy-to-use BASIC interpreter! Whether you're a beginner diving into the fundamentals of programming or a seasoned developer looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, QuackBASIC is the perfect playground for all coding enthusiasts. • Write and Execute Code On-the-Go: Type, run, and debug BASIC programs directly on your device with a sleek and intuitive interface. • Full Language Support: Includes essential commands like PRINT, GOTO, INPUT, and advanced constructs like CASE OF, loops (FOR, DO, WHILE), and mathematical functions (SIN, COS, TAN, etc.). • Interactive Library: Browse through built-in functions with detailed explanations and load example programs to get started quickly. • Preloaded Examples: Explore classic programming examples like Hangman, Fibonacci, Prime Numbers, and more, to learn by example or inspire your own creations. • Retro-Inspired Design: Relive the charm of classic BASIC editors with a clean, minimalist, and functional design. • Save & Load Projects: Save your progress and load your favourite .BAS programs with ease. Share your creations with the community! • Customisable Settings: Tweak the interface to your liking with handy configuration options. BASIC (Beginners' All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) is a high-level programming language designed for ease of use & learning.

Screenshots

BBCBasic4 screens
QuackBASIC4 screens

Verdict

The call

BBCBasic and QuackBASIC both sit at 4.4 stars, but that hides the real split: 75% of BBCBasic's written reviews are positive against 0% of QuackBASIC's. BBCBasic also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). QuackBASIC's advantage is update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months) and chart position (#200 vs unranked). On price, rating, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. QuackBASIC sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BBCBasic asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.4 for BBCBasic against 4.4 for QuackBASIC. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 7 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 75% of BBCBasic's written reviews are positive against 0% of QuackBASIC's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

BBCBasic ships an update every 3 months, QuackBASIC every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 6, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
BBCBasic versus QuackBASIC: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBBCBasicQuackBASIC
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (8 ratings)4.4 (7 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews — better0.0% of reviews
Number of ratings8 — better7
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 4 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#200 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB63 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRichard RussellAmmonite Design Studios Ltd

Customer experience

BBCBasic

All ratings8 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews8 reviews
Positive75.0%
Neutral25.0%
Negative0.0%

QuackBASIC

All ratings7 ratings
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%
Written reviews1 reviews
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

None

BBCBasic

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

QuackBASIC

One-time1
  • Pro$4.99

Questions

Is BBCBasic free?
BBCBasic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is QuackBASIC free?
QuackBASIC is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BBCBasic or QuackBASIC?
BBCBasic and QuackBASIC are both rated 4.4 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 7 ratings respectively.
Do BBCBasic or QuackBASIC have ads?
QuackBASIC shows ads; BBCBasic does not.
Which is updated more often, BBCBasic or QuackBASIC?
BBCBasic ships an update every 3 months, and QuackBASIC every 4 weeks. Most recently, BBCBasic was updated on September 6, 2026 and QuackBASIC on September 10, 2026.

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