# Vicinity Online vs Aethel Idle

The clearest difference is rating: Aethel Idle at 5.0 against Vicinity Online's 4.3. Aethel Idle also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%) and ratings volume (17 vs 3). Vicinity Online's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 weeks). On price, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aethel Idle sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Vicinity Online asks for nothing beyond the download.

Aethel Idle holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Aethel Idle has 17 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 67% of Vicinity Online's written reviews are positive against 100% of Aethel Idle's.

Vicinity Online ships an update every 6 days, Aethel Idle every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Vicinity Online | Aethel Idle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vicinity-online/id6776665145/reviews) | **[5.0 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aethel-idle/id6795342226/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **17** |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Size | 129 MB | 94 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Konrad Machlowski](https://appshunter.io/developer/6776665147) | [Joshua Coonce](https://appshunter.io/developer/6795342228) |

## What reviewers say

### Vicinity Online

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vicinity-online/id6776665145)

Build a vast space empire in this persistent sci-fi MMO. Construct planetary infrastructure, command fleets, trade resources, and engage in player-driven conflict to control a living galaxy. Focuses on long-term progression and strategic planning.

**Highlights:** Build and expand space empire, Construct planetary infrastructure, Mine and manage resources, Command specialized ship fleets, Scan systems for intelligence, Player-driven economy and trading, Engage in player vs. player combat

**In-app purchases:** none


### Aethel Idle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aethel-idle/id6795342226)

Embark on a long-term fantasy idle RPG adventure with 21 distinct skills to master. Progress even when the app is closed, engage in combat with multiple styles, and explore a world filled with lore and challenges. Trade with other players and join clans for a rich multiplayer experience.

**Highlights:** 21 unique skills to master, Idle progression while offline, Deep combat system with gear ladders, Player-driven marketplace, Clan and friend system, Extensive world exploration

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful of Crowns | $0.99 | one-time |
| Adventurer's Bundle | $3.99 | one-time |
| Pouch of Crowns | $4.99 | one-time |
| Chest of Crowns | $9.99 | one-time |
| Founder's Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Vault of Crowns | $19.99 | one-time |
| Royal Hoard | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Vicinity Online free?

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

### Is Aethel Idle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Vicinity Online or Aethel Idle?

Aethel Idle is rated higher. Vicinity Online averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Aethel Idle averages 5.0 from 17 ratings.

### Do Vicinity Online or Aethel Idle have ads?

Neither Vicinity Online nor Aethel Idle shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Vicinity Online or Aethel Idle?

Vicinity Online ships an update every 6 days, and Aethel Idle every 2 weeks. Most recently, Vicinity Online was updated on October 24, 2026 and Aethel 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.*