# The Hub Operator vs Nova

The Hub Operator and Nova are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly weekly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Hub Operator | Nova |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-space-strategy-game/id6780326157/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **4** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | Weekly |
| Monetization | — | Free |
| Size | 3 MB | 51 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [COREGAME TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1143922948) | [Kevin Gilpin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1804481222) |

## What reviewers say

### The Hub Operator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-hub-operator/id6759518064)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Nova

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-space-strategy-game/id6780326157)

Command a star fleet in a real-time galactic conquest game. Engage in strategic battles, forge binding diplomatic contracts, and manage your empire efficiently. Play at your own pace, from quick sprints to long campaigns, with background notifications keeping you informed.

**Highlights:** Real-time galactic conquest, Binding diplomatic contracts, Fog of war for strategic depth, Customizable game pace and duration, Background notifications, Map editor for custom galaxies

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Hub Operator free?

The Hub Operator is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Nova free?

Nova is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do The Hub Operator or Nova have ads?

Neither The Hub Operator nor Nova shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, The Hub Operator or Nova?

The Hub Operator ships an update weekly, and Nova weekly. Most recently, The Hub Operator was updated on October 31, 2026 and Nova on October 31, 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.*