# Dots and Boxes vs 3 Dots

The clearest difference is rating: 3 Dots at 4.7 against Dots and Boxes's 3.7. 3 Dots also leads on ratings volume (78K vs 23). Dots and Boxes's advantage is review sentiment (47% vs 34%). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dots and Boxes sells 8 one-off in-app purchases and 3 Dots sells 15 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

3 Dots holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: 3 Dots has 78K ratings behind it against 23, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 47% of Dots and Boxes's written reviews are positive against 34% of 3 Dots's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Dots and Boxes ships an update every 2 months, 3 Dots monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dots and Boxes | 3 Dots |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (23 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-and-boxes-multiplayer/id1366169655/reviews) | **[4.7 (78K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3-dots-connect-em-all/id1621008365/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 23 | **78K** |
| Positive reviews | **46.7% of reviews** | 34.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 94 MB | 240 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CodeHound](https://appshunter.io/developer/1173184098) | [LIHUHU PTE. LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1259021611) |

## What reviewers say

### Dots and Boxes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-and-boxes-multiplayer/id1366169655)

Engage in a classic pencil-and-paper strategy game with this digital multiplayer version. Connect dots to form squares and outscore your opponents in live online matches, private games with friends, or offline against the computer. Bet on matches and climb the global leaderboard.

**Highlights:** Live online multiplayer, Private matches with friends, Offline AI opponent, Betting and rewards, Live chat with opponents, Global leaderboard, Facebook login

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10000 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 25000 Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| 50000 Coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| 100K Coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| 250K Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 95000 Coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 750K Coins | $5.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |


### 3 Dots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3-dots-connect-em-all/id1621008365)

A challenging matching puzzle game where you connect same-colored balls to crush them. Solve puzzles, sharpen your mind with increasing difficulty, and enjoy endless fun. Achieve objectives before time runs out and use boosters to help you succeed.

**Highlights:** Connect same-colored balls, Crush and clear dots, 500+ exciting levels, Variety of colored balls, 6+ boosters, Time-based objectives

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Last Spin (reward x3) | $0.99 | one-time |
| 150 coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Piggy bank | $2.99 | one-time |
| Beginner's Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $6.99 | one-time |
| 750 coins | $7.99 | one-time |
| Master Bundle | $8.99 | one-time |
| Skip Ticket 2 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Weekly Offer | $9.99 | one-time |
| Super Bundle | $16.99 | one-time |
| 3750 coins | $24.99 | one-time |
| Skip Ticket 3 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Mega Bundle | $36.99 | one-time |
| Giant Bundle | $74.99 | one-time |
| Legend Bundle | $89.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast-paced gameplay
- 💡 Challenging levels
- 👍 Relaxing and enjoyable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤬 Excessive ads interrupting gameplay
- 🤔 Difficulty obtaining desired colors
- 😡 Ads during levels frustrating

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezing during ads
- Inconsistent level difficulty

**Requested features**

- Reduce frequency and duration of ads
- Improve color distribution on boards
- Add option to pay for ad-free experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dots and Boxes free?

Dots and Boxes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is 3 Dots free?

3 Dots is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Dots and Boxes or 3 Dots?

3 Dots is rated higher. Dots and Boxes averages 3.7 out of 5 from 23 ratings, while 3 Dots averages 4.7 from 78K ratings.

### Do Dots and Boxes or 3 Dots have ads?

Both Dots and Boxes and 3 Dots show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dots and Boxes or 3 Dots?

Dots and Boxes ships an update every 2 months, and 3 Dots monthly. Most recently, Dots and Boxes was updated on October 22, 2026 and 3 Dots on October 29, 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.*