# Shift Shaft vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shift Shaft at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Shift Shaft also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 90%). Simple Match 3's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs fortnightly) and chart position (#49 vs #199). On rating, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Shift Shaft costs $2.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Shift Shaft asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Shift Shaft against 4.8 for Simple Match 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 143 and 247 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 100% of Shift Shaft's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Shift Shaft ships an update fortnightly, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 10, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shift Shaft | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (143 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-shaft/id1387207777/reviews)** | [4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 143 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 90.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #199 | **#49** |
| Size | 34 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [William Katz](https://appshunter.io/developer/1387207776) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Shift Shaft

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-shaft/id1387207777)

**Currently charting:** #199 Top Paid · Casual (US App Store)

This puzzle game challenges players to match three or more rocks by rotating the entire game board. Upgrade your character's stats and unlock items as you explore an underground world and battle unique enemies. Enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience with no ads or in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Rotate the game board, Match 3 or more rocks, Upgrade player stats, Unlock over 30 items, Battle 5 unique enemies, Explore underground world

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Innovative rotate screen mechanic
- 👍 Easy to learn, hard to master
- 💎 Rare hidden gem
- 🧠 Clever and entertaining design
- ✨ Adds a breath of fresh air

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Graphics could be less pixelated
- 🤔 Difficult to pick up strategies
- ⏳ Mid-run save feature missing

**Requested features**

- Non-pixelated graphics
- Mid-run save option


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Paid · Casual, #68 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 Shift Shaft free?

Shift Shaft costs $2.99, 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, Shift Shaft or Simple Match 3?

Shift Shaft is rated higher. Shift Shaft averages 4.9 out of 5 from 143 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 247 ratings.

### Do Shift Shaft or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Shift Shaft nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

Shift Shaft ships an update fortnightly, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Shift Shaft was updated on September 10, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on September 25, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Shift Shaft or Simple Match 3?

Shift Shaft currently peaks at #199 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #49. 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.*