Comparison

BBCBasic vs Luana

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

Luana

Learn and write Lua code directly on your mobile device with an interactive editor and instant execution. Explore built-in examples and a help library to master Lua programming on the go.

Highlights
  • Interactive Lua editor with syntax highlighting
  • Instant script execution and output viewing
  • Built-in Lua examples for learning
  • Access to standard Lua libraries
  • Lightweight and fast performance
  • Integrated help library and tutorials
Features
Read full description

Luana is your friendly pocket companion for writing, running, and experimenting with the Lua programming language—right on your mobile device. Whether you’re a seasoned scripter or a total beginner, Luana offers an intuitive workspace to learn, create, and explore Lua anytime, anywhere. • Interactive Editor: Type Lua code in a clean, modern interface. Enjoy syntax colour highlighting for easy reading. • Instant Execution: Run your Lua scripts at the tap of a button, then view the output instantly. Great for rapid prototyping, testing ideas, or practicing code. • On-the-Go Learning: Explore built-in examples—from maths demos to string processing—so you can experiment with language features even if you’re new to coding. It’s perfect for quick practice sessions in your spare time. • Expandable Libraries: Use standard libraries like math, string, and more. • Lightweight & Fast: Designed with performance in mind, letting you focus on creativity without slowdown. • Built-In Help & Tutorials: A handy help library covers all Lua instructions, commands, and examples.

Screenshots

BBCBasic4 screens
Luana4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: BBCBasic at 4.4 against Luana's 3.0. BBCBasic also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement 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. Luana sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. BBCBasic asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

BBCBasic holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 2 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
BBCBasic versus Luana: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBBCBasicLuana
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (8 ratings) — better3.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews75.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings8 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 3 months—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB66 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%

Luana

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

In-app purchases

None

BBCBasic

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Luana

One-time1
  • Pro$4.99

Questions

Is BBCBasic free?
BBCBasic is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Luana free?
Luana is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, BBCBasic or Luana?
BBCBasic is rated higher. BBCBasic averages 4.4 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Luana averages 3.0 from 2 ratings.
Do BBCBasic or Luana have ads?
Luana shows ads; BBCBasic does not.

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