# Disaster Detector vs Sandbox XL

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Disaster Detector at none against Sandbox XL's 1. Disaster Detector also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.1 vs 3.7). Sandbox XL's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 3 months) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sandbox XL sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Disaster Detector asks for nothing beyond the download.

Disaster Detector holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 59 and 53 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 75% of Disaster Detector's written reviews are positive against 61% of Sandbox XL's.

Disaster Detector ships an update every 3 months, Sandbox XL every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Disaster Detector | Sandbox XL |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disaster-detector/id1032864032/reviews)** | [3.7 (53 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-xl/id1255983928/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **59** | 53 |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 60.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 57 MB | 24 MB |
| Requires iOS | **5.1.1** | 11.0 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Smithsonian Institution](https://appshunter.io/developer/370564865) | [Raffaele Amuso](https://appshunter.io/developer/912157295) |

## What reviewers say

### Disaster Detector

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disaster-detector/id1032864032)

This educational game allows players to predict and prepare for natural disasters like tornadoes and earthquakes. By analyzing data from various scientific tools, users can help cities mitigate damage and save citizens. It's designed for learning but fun for all ages.

**Highlights:** Predict tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and hurricanes, Analyze data from Doppler radar, anemometers, barometers, and seismometers, Learn to forecast events using current and historical data, Generate printable reports, Suitable for classroom or home use, Audio and text interplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sandbox XL

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-xl/id1255983928)

Engage in a fun, physics-based sandbox game where you can interact with numerous elements like water, magma, and fire. Simulate natural phenomena to create volcanoes, lakes, and geysers, and enjoy experimenting with the laws of nature.

**Highlights:** Physics-based sandbox gameplay, Interact with water, magma, acid, sand, fire, gunpowder, oil, wood, Create volcanoes, lakes, seas, geysers, Simulate physical phenomena, Experiment with nature's laws

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove ad | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Disaster Detector free?

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

### Is Sandbox XL free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Disaster Detector or Sandbox XL?

Disaster Detector is rated higher. Disaster Detector averages 4.1 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while Sandbox XL averages 3.7 from 53 ratings.

### Do Disaster Detector or Sandbox XL have ads?

Sandbox XL shows ads; Disaster Detector does not.

### Which is updated more often, Disaster Detector or Sandbox XL?

Disaster Detector ships an update every 3 months, and Sandbox XL every 3 weeks. Most recently, Disaster Detector was updated on October 24, 2026 and Sandbox XL on October 23, 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.*