# Epoch Core vs Sandbox Planet

The clearest difference is rating: Sandbox Planet at 4.5 against Epoch Core's 3.8. Sandbox Planet also leads on update cadence (every 3 months vs every 18 months) and ratings volume (303 vs 5). Epoch Core's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sandbox Planet sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Epoch Core asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sandbox Planet holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Sandbox Planet has 303 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 75% of Epoch Core's written reviews are positive against 52% of Sandbox Planet's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Epoch Core ships an update every 18 months, Sandbox Planet every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 17, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Epoch Core | Sandbox Planet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epoch-core/id1177530091/reviews) | **[4.5 (303 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-planet/id1527841661/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 5 | **303** |
| Positive reviews | **75.0% of reviews** | 51.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 162 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [昊天 郑](https://appshunter.io/developer/981803173) | [Oscar Tsang](https://appshunter.io/developer/416987065) |

## What reviewers say

### Epoch Core

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/epoch-core/id1177530091)

Explore procedurally generated, earth-like planets with ambient music. Designed for relaxation, this app offers a unique visual and auditory experience. Requires newer iOS devices for full graphical features.

**Highlights:** Procedural planet generation, Earth-like planet exploration, Ambient music, Relaxing experience, Full graphic features on newer devices

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sandbox Planet

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-planet/id1527841661)

Create and customize your own solar systems and planets. Emulate the development of the universe with highly detailed simulation tools. Build any celestial body you can imagine.

**Highlights:** Solar system simulation, Planet building, Universe emulation, Customizable creation, Celestial body design

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5000 GP | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ad | $2.99 | one-time |
| 25000 GP | $5.99 | one-time |
| 50000 GP | $9.99 | one-time |
| 120000 GP | $19.99 | one-time |
| 200000 GP | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Very fun and enjoyable game
- ✨ Beautiful graphics
- 🌌 Great sandbox experience
- 🎮 Compatible with iOS 18
- 🌠 Ability to design planets

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive in-app purchases
- 💰 Pay-to-win mechanics
- 📉 Slow progression without spending
- 😩 Ads are frequent and intrusive
- ⏳ Takes too long to create planets

**Reported bugs**

- Advertisements have non-functional close buttons
- App crashes frequently
- Video ads for currency don't load
- Bug with GP conversion where it decreases
- Daytime interface is too bright

**Requested features**

- Random planets and stars should spawn
- Add currency earning methods
- Allow naming of planets
- Add more content
- Make the game harder


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Epoch Core free?

Epoch Core is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sandbox Planet free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Epoch Core or Sandbox Planet?

Sandbox Planet is rated higher. Epoch Core averages 3.8 out of 5 from 5 ratings, while Sandbox Planet averages 4.5 from 303 ratings.

### Do Epoch Core or Sandbox Planet have ads?

Sandbox Planet shows ads; Epoch Core does not.

### Which is updated more often, Epoch Core or Sandbox Planet?

Epoch Core ships an update every 18 months, and Sandbox Planet every 3 months. Most recently, Epoch Core was updated on September 17, 2026 and Sandbox Planet on October 27, 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.*