# Stack Islands vs SandBox

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Stack Islands at 80% against SandBox's 37%. Stack Islands also leads on ads (none vs shown). SandBox's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 2.5) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Stack Islands sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SandBox asks for nothing beyond the download.

SandBox holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SandBox has 45K ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Stack Islands's written reviews are positive against 37% of SandBox's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Stack Islands ships an update every 2 months, SandBox every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Stack Islands | SandBox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stack-islands/id1407146596/reviews) | **[4.6 (45K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-sand-box/id1547780686/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 2 | **45K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.0% of reviews** | 36.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 145 MB | 150 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Dean Longmore](https://appshunter.io/developer/984963696) | [TINYSOFT](https://appshunter.io/developer/960613741) |

## What reviewers say

### Stack Islands

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stack-islands/id1407146596)

Build towering structures by stacking blocks to create unique islands. Enjoy a relaxing experience with charming visuals and challenge yourself with fun activities. Discover a hidden mystery while competing for the top global score.

**Highlights:** Stack blocks to create islands, Relaxing and charming design, Compete for global high scores, Engage in fun activities, Discover a hidden mystery, No personal data tracking

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Complete Game Unlock | $0.99 | one-time |


### SandBox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-sand-box/id1547780686)

Engage in a dynamic particle physics playground with full rotation. Discover how various elements interact to produce captivating outcomes, offering both creative freedom and educational opportunities.

**Highlights:** Particle physics simulation, Element interaction and combination, Full 3D rotation, Thermal vision mode, Creative sandbox experience, Educational element reactions

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Satisfying gameplay
- 👍 Relaxing and calming
- 🚀 Decent graphics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Too many ads
- 🔒 Forced ads and refills
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🔋 Limited resources

**Reported bugs**

- Level 50 is impossible to complete
- Certain materials like rock have glitches
- App crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More materials and elements
- Ability to save and load creations
- Larger sandbox area
- More realistic physics and behaviors


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Stack Islands free?

Stack Islands is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SandBox free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Stack Islands or SandBox?

SandBox is rated higher. Stack Islands averages 2.5 out of 5 from 2 ratings, while SandBox averages 4.6 from 45K ratings.

### Do Stack Islands or SandBox have ads?

SandBox shows ads; Stack Islands does not.

### Which is updated more often, Stack Islands or SandBox?

Stack Islands ships an update every 2 months, and SandBox every 3 months. Most recently, Stack Islands was updated on October 5, 2026 and SandBox on October 15, 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.*