Ions 2+ vs Dot
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ions 2+
Explore a dynamic particle simulation with extensive customization options. Control ion color, size, shape, and trails. Utilize device motion and advanced grid placement for unique creations. Supports a high particle count for detailed simulations.
- Customizable ion color and size
- Shape and trail effects
- Accelerometer control
- Rectangular and polar grids
- High particle count (up to 100,000)
- Save custom layouts and looks
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Ions is back, recharged and better than ever! The sequel to the staff-favorite particle simulation allows total control over the look and behavior of your creations. Ions 2+ also supports iPhones and iPods as well as iPads! Your ions can now change color and size based on age, speed, direction, and other parameters! Change shape, leave trails, change the background, and more! Use your device’s accelerometer to react to gravity or add turbulence and drag for more variety. You also have both rectangular and polar grids for precise placement. Why stop at only 20,000 particles? With Ions 2+, you can raise the limit up to 100,000 on faster devices. Of course you can still save your favorite layouts, as well as any custom looks you’ve created. Ions 2+. I'm positive you'll love it.
Dot
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Dot-Physics is an interactive particle sandbox where tiny glowing dots follow simple rules and grow into surprising patterns. Choose a preset world, create your own rules, or draw particles directly onto the screen. Change how colours attract, repel, chase, cluster, and spread, then watch the world come alive. Features: • Real-time particle worlds with colourful motion • Creative Mode for custom attraction and repulsion rules • Draw Mode for painting new particles into the simulation • Touch interaction for attracting, repelling, stirring, and dropping dots • Adjustable dot count, speed, damping, radius, and point size • Relaxing ambient background music • Presets for quick experiments and beautiful patterns Dot-Physics is part visual toy, part creative sandbox, and part simple science experiment. There are no scores, timers, or pressure. Just start a world, interact with it, and see what emerges.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Dot at Free against Ions 2+'s $1.99. Ions 2+'s advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.1). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Dot is free to download; Ions 2+ costs $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
| Parameter | Ions 2+ | Dot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.8 (39 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 93.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 39 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 15 months | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 8.0 — better | 15.1 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 49 MB | 35 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Douglas Applewhite | EOIN J TOLSTER |
In-app purchases
Ions 2+
No in-app purchases
Dot
No in-app purchases









