# holedown vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is rating: Simple Match 3 at 4.8 against holedown's 4.3. Simple Match 3 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 9 months) and review sentiment (90% vs 72%). holedown's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). On ratings volume, ads, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

holedown costs $3.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. holedown asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 399 and 247 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of holedown's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

holedown ships an update every 9 months, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | holedown | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.3 (399 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holedown/id1297270249/reviews) | **[4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **399** | 247 |
| Positive reviews | 71.8% of reviews | **90.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #111 | **#58** |
| Size | 77 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [webbfarbror AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/663547506) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### holedown

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/holedown/id1297270249)

**Currently charting:** #111 Top Paid · Casual, #142 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

Dig deep underground by strategically shooting balls to break blocks and reach planet cores. Collect crystals for upgrades and master bouncing patterns in this charming, minimalist game with an original soundtrack. Enjoy hours of gameplay with procedurally generated planets and multiple modes.

**Highlights:** Dig through six planets, Collect crystals for upgrades, Procedurally generated planets, Original space acid soundtrack, Endless play mode, Intuitive one-handed play

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive gameplay
- 👍 Satisfying physics and animations
- 🎨 Charming visuals and audio
- 💰 Fair pricing, no ads or IAPs

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔚 Short campaign length
- 🔁 Lack of replayability after completion
- 🔇 No option to disable sound effects
- 🐛 Occasional save data loss

**Reported bugs**

- Save data randomly resets
- Gameplay freezes after certain actions
- Sound effects not working properly

**Requested features**

- More planets/levels
- Diverse block types and gameplay mechanics
- Ability to skip crystal counting animation
- Cloud save sync between devices


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #58 Top Paid · Casual, #76 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 holedown free?

holedown costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

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

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

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. holedown averages 4.3 out of 5 from 399 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 247 ratings.

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

Neither holedown nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

holedown ships an update every 9 months, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, holedown was updated on October 20, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 19, 2026.

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

holedown currently peaks at #111 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #58. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*