# StarCat vs Hydra

The clearest difference is price: Hydra at Free against StarCat's $1.99. Hydra also leads on rating (4.8 vs 1.0) and ratings volume (736 vs 1). StarCat's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.4). On update cadence, ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

Hydra is free to download; StarCat costs $1.99 up front. Hydra sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. StarCat asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hydra holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hydra has 736 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

StarCat ships an update every 5 weeks, Hydra every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | StarCat | Hydra |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starcat-launch-tracker/id6469060028/reviews) | **[4.8 (736 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydra-read-upvote-comment/id6478089063/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **736** |
| Positive reviews | — | 74.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#110** | #115 |
| Size | 52 MB | 75 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Hubert Jozwiak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526690991) | [Dimitrie Milinovich](https://appshunter.io/developer/1637204263) |

## What reviewers say

### StarCat

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starcat-launch-tracker/id6469060028)

**Currently charting:** #110 Top Paid · News (US App Store)

Stay updated on global rocket launches with real-time information and detailed mission specifics. Receive launch reminders and access a dedicated news section for spaceflight updates. Features Dynamic Island integration for live tracking.

**Highlights:** Live Activity tracking on Dynamic Island, Detailed mission information, Launch reminders and notifications, Spaceflight news section, Starship development updates, Reusable rocket landing info

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Hydra

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydra-read-upvote-comment/id6478089063)

**Currently charting:** #115 Top Free · News (US App Store)

Experience subreddits with a fast, fluid, and native iOS client. Enjoy seamless browsing, an immersive media viewer, and customizable themes. It's designed for both casual users and power Redditors.

**Highlights:** Lightning-fast loading, Multireddit support, Favorite subreddits, Native iOS design, Image and video viewer, Multiple account support, Quick access gestures

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hydra Pro | $2.99 | per month |
| Nice Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $9.99 | one-time |
| Incredible Tip | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Massive potential
- 👍 Closest thing to Apollo
- 👍 Best option for 2025
- 👍 Better in almost every way
- 👍 Superior Reddit Client++

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Sketchy security

**Reported bugs**

- Expect some bumps

**Requested features**

- Customizing the gestures and hiding the username on the tab bar
- Content blocking, comment images, startup feed, and others


## Frequently asked questions

### Is StarCat free?

StarCat costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Hydra free?

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

### Which has better reviews, StarCat or Hydra?

Hydra is rated higher. StarCat averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Hydra averages 4.8 from 736 ratings.

### Do StarCat or Hydra have ads?

Neither StarCat nor Hydra shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, StarCat or Hydra?

StarCat ships an update every 5 weeks, and Hydra every 3 weeks. Most recently, StarCat was updated on October 2, 2026 and Hydra on October 15, 2026.

### Which is more popular, StarCat or Hydra?

StarCat currently peaks at #110 in the App Store charts, and Hydra at #115. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*