# HexTowerDefense vs Archmage Idle

The clearest difference is ads: HexTowerDefense at none against Archmage Idle's shown. HexTowerDefense also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.5) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Archmage Idle's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days) and ratings volume (72 vs 4). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. HexTowerDefense sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Archmage Idle sells 9 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

HexTowerDefense holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Archmage Idle has 72 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

HexTowerDefense ships an update every 10 days, Archmage Idle every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HexTowerDefense | Archmage Idle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hextowerdefense/id6759407759/reviews)** | [4.5 (72 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/archmage-idle/id6771789648/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **72** |
| Positive reviews | — | 76.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#167** |
| Size | 106 MB | 372 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.5 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maxime Hussenet](https://appshunter.io/developer/1843228499) | [TopCog LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/936969300) |

## What reviewers say

### HexTowerDefense

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hextowerdefense/id6759407759)

Engage in strategic tower defense on a hexagonal grid. Master placement, range, and timing across 50 campaign levels, daily challenges, and a community workshop. Enjoy a retro aesthetic with no energy timers and limited ads.

**Highlights:** Hexagonal grid placement, 50 handcrafted campaign levels, Daily challenges and endless mode, Community Workshop for sharing layouts, Eight tower types, Retro neon aesthetic

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| x2/x4 Speed | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $3.99 | one-time |
| Gotta Go Faster | $4.99 | one-time |
| All-in-One | $4.99 | one-time |


### Archmage Idle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/archmage-idle/id6771789648)

**Currently charting:** #167 Top Free · Role Playing (US App Store)

An idle RPG where you train skills to empower wizards and manage resources. Your guild continues to work and gather resources even when you are offline, allowing for continuous progression.

**Highlights:** Interconnected skill system, Recruit and train wizards, Elemental hex map combat, Resource management, Offline progression, Item collection

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time Warp | $0.99 | one-time |
| VIP 1 - Apprentice Patron | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads + XP Boost | $4.99 | one-time |
| VIP 2 - Adept Patron | $4.99 | one-time |
| Animus Augment | $9.99 | one-time |
| Time Warp x10 | $9.99 | one-time |
| VIP 3 - Mage Patron | $9.99 | one-time |
| VIP 4 - Grandmage Patron | $14.99 | one-time |
| VIP 5 - Archmage Patron | $19.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HexTowerDefense free?

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

### Is Archmage Idle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, HexTowerDefense or Archmage Idle?

HexTowerDefense is rated higher. HexTowerDefense averages 5.0 out of 5 from 4 ratings, while Archmage Idle averages 4.5 from 72 ratings.

### Do HexTowerDefense or Archmage Idle have ads?

Archmage Idle shows ads; HexTowerDefense does not.

### Which is updated more often, HexTowerDefense or Archmage Idle?

HexTowerDefense ships an update every 10 days, and Archmage Idle every 3 days. Most recently, HexTowerDefense was updated on October 24, 2026 and Archmage Idle on October 25, 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.*