# Connect the Pops! vs Merge Pool 3D!

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Merge Pool 3D! at none against Connect the Pops!'s 1. Merge Pool 3D! also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.9 vs 4.5). Connect the Pops!'s advantage is ratings volume (6.4K vs 69). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Connect the Pops! sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Merge Pool 3D! asks for nothing beyond the download.

Merge Pool 3D! holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Connect the Pops! has 6.4K ratings behind it against 69, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Connect the Pops! ships an update every 3 weeks, Merge Pool 3D! every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 9, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Connect the Pops! | Merge Pool 3D! |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (6.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/connect-the-pops/id1421219214/reviews) | **[4.9 (69 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-pool-3d/id1495686548/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **6.4K** | 69 |
| Positive reviews | 31.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 201 MB | 148 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.2 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Popcore GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/1375461777) | [moztec](https://appshunter.io/developer/932993004) |

## What reviewers say

### Connect the Pops!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/connect-the-pops/id1421219214)

A visually appealing puzzle game where you connect numbered bubbles to merge them into higher values. It offers a relaxing yet addictive experience with endless fun and challenging gameplay. Compete with friends to achieve the highest scores and levels.

**Highlights:** Connect and merge numbered bubbles, Challenging puzzle gameplay, Beautifully colorful graphics, High score and level comparison, Addictive and fun

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Fun and addictive game
- 🧠 Helps improve math skills
- 🕰️ Good time-passer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤖 Too many ads
- 🚫 Impossible to lose
- 🤔 Lack of clear goals or challenges

**Reported bugs**

- Game progress not saving
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Worldwide leaderboard
- Reward system for leveling up
- More themes and customization options


### Merge Pool 3D!

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/merge-pool-3d/id1495686548)

Slide and shoot to merge colorful cubes and reach the highest number. This engaging puzzle game features vibrant graphics and smooth animations for a challenging and enjoyable experience.

**Highlights:** Slide and shoot mechanics, Merge colors to reach high numbers, Challenging goals, Awesome graphics, Smooth animations, Colorful gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Connect the Pops! free?

Connect the Pops! is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Merge Pool 3D! free?

Merge Pool 3D! is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Connect the Pops! or Merge Pool 3D!?

Merge Pool 3D! is rated higher. Connect the Pops! averages 4.5 out of 5 from 6.4K ratings, while Merge Pool 3D! averages 4.9 from 69 ratings.

### Do Connect the Pops! or Merge Pool 3D! have ads?

Connect the Pops! shows ads; Merge Pool 3D! does not.

### Which is updated more often, Connect the Pops! or Merge Pool 3D!?

Connect the Pops! ships an update every 3 weeks, and Merge Pool 3D! every 9 days. Most recently, Connect the Pops! was updated on November 9, 2026 and Merge Pool 3D! on November 3, 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.*