# BUST vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Simple Match 3 at 90% against BUST's 41%. Simple Match 3 also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). BUST's advantage is iOS requirement (7.0 vs 14.0). On ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

BUST costs $4.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. BUST sells 9 one-off in-app purchases and Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 258 ratings behind it against 46, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 41% of BUST's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

BUST ships an update every 3 weeks, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BUST | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [3.3 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bust-a-move-journey/id1259109799/reviews) | **[4.8 (258 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 46 | **258** |
| Positive reviews | 41.2% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #184 | **#36** |
| Size | 127 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TAITO Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/305608085) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### BUST

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bust-a-move-journey/id1259109799)

**Currently charting:** #184 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

Embark on a bubble-popping adventure where you shoot and match three or more bubbles of the same color to clear stages. Complete diverse missions, utilize helpful items, and unlock new levels. Enjoy over 270 puzzle stages with unique challenges and optional map purchases for extended gameplay.

**Highlights:** Shoot and match 3+ same-colored bubbles, Complete diverse stage missions, Unlock new stages by clearing levels, Utilize helpful items and characters, Over 270 puzzle stages with gimmicks, Optional map purchases for additional stages

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Map4 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map5 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map6 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map7 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map8 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map9 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map10 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map11 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Map12 | $0.99 | one-time |


### Simple Match 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389)

**Currently charting:** #36 Top Paid · Casual, #49 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

This is a relaxing puzzle game where you swap tiles to make matches of three. Unlock hundreds of unique tiles, customize your game's appearance, and enjoy satisfying effects. It offers a peaceful experience without ads or excessive story elements.

**Highlights:** No ads or subscriptions, Hundreds of unique tiles, Customizable appearance, Daily levels with leaderboards, Zen Mode for relaxation, Satisfying visual effects, Achievements and boosters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Simple Match 3 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Match 3 Game
- 👍 Calming and Engaging
- 🔒 No Ads or IAPs
- 👍 Customizable Tiles
- 👍 Relaxing Music and Sound Effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs in Higher Levels
- 🐛 Impossible Levels Due to Missing Obstacles
- 🐛 Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- 🐛 Reward Box Tapping Issue
- 🐛 Inconsistent Star Rating System

**Reported bugs**

- Levels with Missing Obstacles
- Reward Box Tapping Issue
- Inconsistent Star Rating System
- Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- Crashes on Opening

**Requested features**

- Level Editor
- Endless/Survival Mode
- Improved Power-Up Interactions
- Hints or Shuffle Option
- Landscape Support for iPad


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BUST free?

BUST costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

Simple Match 3 costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BUST or Simple Match 3?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. BUST averages 3.3 out of 5 from 46 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 258 ratings.

### Do BUST or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither BUST nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BUST or Simple Match 3?

BUST ships an update every 3 weeks, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, BUST was updated on October 26, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 30, 2026.

### Which is more popular, BUST or Simple Match 3?

BUST currently peaks at #184 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #36. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*