# PopStars vs Mining Tycoon 3D

The clearest difference is rating: PopStars at 4.7 against Mining Tycoon 3D's 3.3. PopStars also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 7) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 weeks). Mining Tycoon 3D's advantage is iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Mining Tycoon 3D sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. PopStars asks for nothing beyond the download.

PopStars holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 20 and 46 respectively.

PopStars ships an update weekly, Mining Tycoon 3D every 2 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PopStars | Mining Tycoon 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (20 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/popstars/id1458986321/reviews)** | [3.3 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mining-tycoon-3d/id1556057188/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 20 | **46** |
| Positive reviews | — | 12.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 23 MB | 199 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hoang Bui](https://appshunter.io/developer/1176432847) | [Sablo Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434408975) |

## What reviewers say

### PopStars

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/popstars/id1458986321)

A casual puzzle game where players tap connected stars to clear them and achieve high scores. It offers both a relaxing classic mode and a fast-paced "Speed Time Mode" to challenge reflexes.

**Highlights:** Tap 2 or more connected stars to pop, Classic mode with no time limit, Speed Time Mode for fast-paced challenges, Global leaderboards and player challenges, Offline play supported, Bright, colorful graphics

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Mining Tycoon 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mining-tycoon-3d/id1556057188)

Dig deep into the earth to unearth precious gems, gold, and diamonds. Hire miners, upgrade their speed, and tap to accelerate your excavation. Become a wealthy mining tycoon by discovering hidden treasures and filling your carts.

**Highlights:** Mine and load carts, Discover various jewels, Dig and create paths, Explore a spiral world, Hire and upgrade workers, Tap to speed up mining

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Handful of Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bucket of Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Barrel of Gems | $9.99 | one-time |
| Remove Unwanted Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Crate of Gems | $24.99 | one-time |
| Wheel Barrow of Gems | $44.99 | one-time |
| Truckload of Gems | $89.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PopStars free?

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

### Is Mining Tycoon 3D free?

Mining Tycoon 3D is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, PopStars or Mining Tycoon 3D?

PopStars is rated higher. PopStars averages 4.7 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Mining Tycoon 3D averages 3.3 from 46 ratings.

### Do PopStars or Mining Tycoon 3D have ads?

Both PopStars and Mining Tycoon 3D show ads.

### Which is updated more often, PopStars or Mining Tycoon 3D?

PopStars ships an update weekly, and Mining Tycoon 3D every 2 weeks. Most recently, PopStars was updated on November 3, 2026 and Mining Tycoon 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.*