# Processing & p5.js iCompiler vs ShaderMania

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ShaderMania at 100% against Processing & p5.js iCompiler's 58%. ShaderMania also leads on monetization model (free vs freemium). Processing & p5.js iCompiler's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 16 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Processing & p5.js iCompiler sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $3.49 per month and ShaderMania sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Processing & p5.js iCompiler ships an update every 2 months, ShaderMania every 16 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Processing & p5.js iCompiler | ShaderMania |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.5 (82 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/processing-and-p5js-icompiler/id648955851/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **82** | — |
| Positive reviews | 58.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 16 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [riedel.wtf apps S.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/517545753) | [Markus Moenig](https://appshunter.io/developer/1448432881) |

## What reviewers say

### Processing & p5.js iCompiler

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/processing-and-p5js-icompiler/id648955851)

Develop and compile Processing and p5.js code directly on your mobile device. Export your creations as standalone apps for offline use. Ideal for students and educators learning creative coding.

**Highlights:** Compose and compile code on mobile, Export projects as home screen apps, Offline app usage, Code highlighting and formatting, 3D sketches and games support, Error highlighting (Pro feature)

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Processing Pro (Monthly) | $3.49 | per month |
| Processing Pro (Annual) | $9.99 | per year |
| Processing for iOS Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Processing Pro Lifetime Unlock | $25.99 | one-time |
| Processing for iOS Tip | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✅ Works offline without internet connection
- 👍 Free app with no mandatory payment
- 🎨 Good for quick creative coding and sketches
- 📱 Portable Processing development on mobile
- ⚡ Relatively fast performance for mobile IDE

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Compiler errors hidden behind paywall
- 🐛 Data loss and code deletion issues
- ❌ No error messages or debugging output
- 📝 Poor syntax highlighting (highlights wrong keywords)
- ⌨️ No auto-indentation or code formatting

**Reported bugs**

- Code reverts to earlier versions after app sleep
- Changes lost when phone falls asleep
- Functions with parameters cause black screen
- StringList data type not recognized
- Boolean highlighting shows 'bool' instead of full word

**Requested features**

- Free basic error messages for all users
- Undo/redo functionality
- Project renaming capability
- Project duplication feature
- Robust auto-save and backup system


### ShaderMania

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shadermania/id1541065830)

Create, edit, and share Metal shaders with a live coding environment and real-time preview. Explore a database of public and tutorial shaders, connect nodes to build complex effects, and export your creations. A physical keyboard is recommended for optimal use.

**Highlights:** Live coding of Metal fragment shaders, Real-time preview and playback, Node-based shader creation, Public shader database, Tutorial shaders with video links, Export shader output to PNG, Syntax checking and error display

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large Tip | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Processing & p5.js iCompiler free?

Processing & p5.js iCompiler is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is ShaderMania free?

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

### Do Processing & p5.js iCompiler or ShaderMania have ads?

Neither Processing & p5.js iCompiler nor ShaderMania shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Processing & p5.js iCompiler or ShaderMania?

Processing & p5.js iCompiler ships an update every 2 months, and ShaderMania every 16 months. Most recently, Processing & p5.js iCompiler was updated on October 21, 2026 and ShaderMania on October 2, 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.*