# Sandbox XL vs Elemental Box

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Elemental Box at none against Sandbox XL's 1. Elemental Box also leads on rating (4.2 vs 3.8) and review sentiment (72% vs 61%). Sandbox XL's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 13.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Elemental Box holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 52 and 63 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of Sandbox XL's written reviews are positive against 72% of Elemental Box's.

Sandbox XL ships an update every 3 weeks, Elemental Box every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sandbox XL | Elemental Box |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (52 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-xl/id1255983928/reviews) | **[4.2 (63 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-box/id1269914616/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 52 | **63** |
| Positive reviews | 60.7% of reviews | **72.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 24 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Raffaele Amuso](https://appshunter.io/developer/912157295) | [DAN-BALL](https://appshunter.io/developer/348592290) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Elemental Box

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-box/id1269914616)

Engage in a sandbox game focused on realistic physical simulations. Experiment with various shapes and materials to observe their unique interactions and transformations. This app offers a creative space for exploration and discovery through physics.

**Highlights:** Physical simulation, Material interaction, Shape manipulation, Sandbox gameplay, Real-time physics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sandbox XL free?

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

### Is Elemental Box free?

Elemental Box is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sandbox XL or Elemental Box?

Elemental Box is rated higher. Sandbox XL averages 3.8 out of 5 from 52 ratings, while Elemental Box averages 4.2 from 63 ratings.

### Do Sandbox XL or Elemental Box have ads?

Both Sandbox XL and Elemental Box show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sandbox XL or Elemental Box?

Sandbox XL ships an update every 3 weeks, and Elemental Box every 4 months. Most recently, Sandbox XL was updated on September 18, 2026 and Elemental Box on September 21, 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.*