# Stack 8 vs Shape Theory

The clearest difference is ads: Stack 8 at none against Shape Theory's shown. Stack 8 also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.6). Shape Theory's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (100% vs 80%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stack 8 sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Shape Theory sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stack 8 ships an update every 4 months, Shape Theory every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stack 8 | Shape Theory |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stack-8/id1093455092/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6** | — |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 2 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [THE RISE COLLECTION](https://appshunter.io/developer/1000072797) | [Bulltech](https://appshunter.io/developer/1586482702) |

## What reviewers say

### Stack 8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stack-8/id1093455092)

Tap to perfectly stack pixels in this endless challenge. One mistake means losing a pixel. Test your reflexes and precision to keep stacking.

**Highlights:** Endless gameplay, Precise tapping mechanics, Pixel stacking challenge, Reflex and precision testing, Simple one-tap controls

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


### Shape Theory

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shape-theory-brain-puzzles/id6449924079)

Uncover hidden geometric shapes by strategically revealing parts of a concealed form. Deduce the correct shape from a list of suspects to advance through increasingly challenging levels. Compete globally for the top leaderboard spot.

**Highlights:** Shape discovery through limited reveals, Strategic deduction of hidden forms, Progressive difficulty levels, Minimalist, captivating graphics, Global leaderboard competition, Brain teaser and strategy gameplay

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads For 1 Month | $0.99 | per month |
| No Ads For 1 Year | $4.99 | per year |
| No Ads Forever | $8.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stack 8 free?

Stack 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Shape Theory free?

Shape Theory is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Stack 8 or Shape Theory have ads?

Shape Theory shows ads; Stack 8 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Stack 8 or Shape Theory?

Stack 8 ships an update every 4 months, and Shape Theory every 3 weeks. Most recently, Stack 8 was updated on November 6, 2026 and Shape Theory on November 3, 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.*