# Idle Analyst vs Below The Layer

The clearest difference is rating: Below The Layer at 5.0 against Idle Analyst's 3.0. Below The Layer also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and update cadence (every 6 days vs every 3 weeks). Idle Analyst's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Idle Analyst sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Below The Layer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Below The Layer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Below The Layer has 5 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Idle Analyst ships an update every 3 weeks, Below The Layer every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Analyst | Below The Layer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-analyst/id6776769224/reviews) | **[5.0 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/below-the-layer/id6814332926/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **5** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 123 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Robert Rice](https://appshunter.io/developer/1809701572) | [James Seaward](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891697161) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Analyst

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-analyst/id6776769224)

A relaxed incremental game where you build and automate a spreadsheet. Grow your workbook with formulas, unlock new features, and optimize your strategy for endless progression. Enjoy offline earnings and a satisfying refactoring mechanic.

**Highlights:** Build formula cells, Unlock new sheets, Automate with AutoFill, Refactor for permanent Insights, Offline progress, Chase achievements

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Offline Boost | $1.99 | one-time |
| Analyst Pro | $3.99 | one-time |


### Below The Layer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/below-the-layer/id6814332926)

Command a submarine in a tactical simulation. Interpret sonar, exploit thermal layers, and make critical decisions about evasion or engagement. Every choice has consequences in this challenging game of stealth and strategy.

**Highlights:** Sonar analysis, Target motion solutions, Periscope observation, Torpedo room operation, Weapon guidance, Patrol mission execution, Stealth tactics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Analyst free?

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

### Is Below The Layer free?

Below The Layer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Idle Analyst or Below The Layer?

Below The Layer is rated higher. Idle Analyst averages 3.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Below The Layer averages 5.0 from 5 ratings.

### Do Idle Analyst or Below The Layer have ads?

Neither Idle Analyst nor Below The Layer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Analyst or Below The Layer?

Idle Analyst ships an update every 3 weeks, and Below The Layer every 6 days. Most recently, Idle Analyst was updated on October 31, 2026 and Below The Layer on November 6, 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.*