# C++ Shell vs Code Runner App Compiler & IDE

The clearest difference is monetization model: Code Runner App Compiler & IDE at free with in-app purchases against C++ Shell's subscription. Code Runner App Compiler & IDE also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and chart position (#137 vs unranked). C++ Shell's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (58% vs 24%). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. C++ Shell sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.49 per month and Code Runner App Compiler & IDE sells 6 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

C++ Shell holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 224 and 100 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of C++ Shell's written reviews are positive against 24% of Code Runner App Compiler & IDE's.

C++ Shell ships an update every 3 months, Code Runner App Compiler & IDE every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | C++ Shell | Code Runner App Compiler & IDE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (224 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-plus-plus-shell-c-plus-plus-code-compiler/id6444545478/reviews)** | [4.0 (100 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-runner-app-compiler-and-ide/id6450535928/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **224** | 100 |
| Positive reviews | **57.9% of reviews** | 23.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#137** |
| Size | 153 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Phoenix Lab Technology Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1441899762) | [Cloudbit d.o.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1387318660) |

## What reviewers say

### C++ Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/c-plus-plus-shell-c-plus-plus-code-compiler/id6444545478)

Compile and run C++ code directly on your mobile device. This app provides a command-line environment with support for basic Linux commands, Python, and Lua. It features code highlighting, split-screen display, and customizable themes for an enhanced coding experience.

**Highlights:** C++ code compilation and execution, Linux command-line interface, Integrated Python and Lua, Code highlighting, Split-screen display, Customizable themes and fonts

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| C++ Shell Advanced Version | $4.49 | per month |


### Code Runner App Compiler & IDE

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-runner-app-compiler-and-ide/id6450535928)

**Currently charting:** #137 Top Free · Developer Tools, #163 Top Grossing · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app is a mobile coding editor and compiler supporting over 30 programming languages. It offers features like syntax highlighting, code completion, an AI assistant for refactoring and bug checking, and GitHub integration for managing repositories. It's designed for learning, practicing, and working on programming projects anywhere.

**Highlights:** Supports 30+ programming languages, Full programming code syntax highlighting, Code completion and editor actions, AI Assistant for refactoring and bug checking, GitHub integration for repositories, Compile and execute code, Instant coding feedback

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Developer Upgrade | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Pro Monthly Plan | $6.99 | per month |
| Developer Montlhy Plan | $11.99 | per month |
| Developer Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |
| Pro Yearly Plan | $49.99 | per year |
| Developer Lite Upgrade | $39.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is C++ Shell free?

C++ Shell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Code Runner App Compiler & IDE free?

Code Runner App Compiler & IDE is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, C++ Shell or Code Runner App Compiler & IDE?

C++ Shell is rated higher. C++ Shell averages 4.2 out of 5 from 224 ratings, while Code Runner App Compiler & IDE averages 4.0 from 100 ratings.

### Do C++ Shell or Code Runner App Compiler & IDE have ads?

Code Runner App Compiler & IDE shows ads; C++ Shell does not.

### Which is updated more often, C++ Shell or Code Runner App Compiler & IDE?

C++ Shell ships an update every 3 months, and Code Runner App Compiler & IDE every 3 weeks. Most recently, C++ Shell was updated on September 21, 2026 and Code Runner App Compiler & IDE on September 20, 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.*