# Playground vs NOVA

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Playground at 100% against NOVA's 37%. Playground also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.3) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). NOVA's advantage is ratings volume (1.2K vs 43) and chart position (#161 vs unranked). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. NOVA sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per month. Playground asks for nothing beyond the download.

Playground holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: NOVA has 1.2K ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Playground's written reviews are positive against 37% of NOVA's.

Playground ships an update every 10 days, NOVA every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Playground | NOVA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playground/id1523177988/reviews)** | [4.3 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-the-creative-network/id1642834730/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 43 | **1.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 36.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#161** |
| Size | 53 MB | 143 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.4** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Playground NY Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1306296733) | [Nova Network Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1642834732) |

## What reviewers say

### Playground

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/playground/id1523177988)

This platform empowers creators to build and manage vibrant communities. It offers tools for memberships, event ticketing, exclusive content drops, and real-time chat to foster engagement and loyalty among members.

**Highlights:** Membership tiers and perks, Event ticketing and management, Exclusive content drops, Loyalty rewards system, Real-time community chat, Discover and join communities

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### NOVA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-the-creative-network/id1642834730)

**Currently charting:** #161 Top Grossing · Social Networking (US App Store)

This platform connects creative professionals with clients seeking talent. Artists can build networks, showcase work, and find job opportunities. Clients gain direct access to vetted freelance creative talent.

**Highlights:** Network building for artists, Portfolio display for creatives, Access to job opportunities, Direct client access to talent, Application-based community, Community guidelines enforcement

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nova Pro (Monthly) | $12.99 | per month |
| Nova Pro (Yearly) | $99.99 | per year |
| Nova Pro (Day Pass) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💫 Best apps for creatives hands down!
- 🌟 Game changing for creatives
- 🎨 Wonderful!
- 🤝 Probably the best way for creatives to connect
- 🎨 Excellent Platform

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤷‍♀️ No support
- 🤦‍♂️ Not looking out for the little guy
- 🔒 Can't get in
- 🤯 Ummm
- 🐛 App Crashes Too Often

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes
- Freezing
- Buggy application process

**Requested features**

- Web Access
- Saved filter settings
- Notifications
- Profile customization


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Playground free?

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

### Is NOVA free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Playground or NOVA?

Playground is rated higher. Playground averages 5.0 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while NOVA averages 4.3 from 1.2K ratings.

### Do Playground or NOVA have ads?

Neither Playground nor NOVA shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Playground or NOVA?

Playground ships an update every 10 days, and NOVA every 3 weeks. Most recently, Playground was updated on September 11, 2026 and NOVA on September 28, 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.*