# subpar pool vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: subpar pool at none against Simple Match 3's 1. subpar pool also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.6) and price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On update cadence, ads, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

subpar pool costs $4.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. subpar pool asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 247 ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 78% of subpar pool's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

subpar pool ships an update every 2 weeks, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | subpar pool | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.6 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subpar-pool/id1546080553/reviews) | **[4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 39 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | 78.3% of reviews | **90.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #72 | **#55** |
| Size | 74 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [webbfarbror AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/663547506) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### subpar pool

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/subpar-pool/id1546080553)

**Currently charting:** #72 Top Paid · Sports (US App Store)

Engage in a unique pocket billiards experience across procedurally generated levels. Strategize your shots, adapt to unpredictable physics, and customize challenges with a deck of cards for endless replayability. Immerse yourself in a vibrant world with a charming art style and a relaxing soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Procedurally generated levels, Card-based challenge customization, Four distinct worlds, Thousands of gameplay combinations, Bite-sized play sessions, One-handed play

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #55 Top Paid · Casual, #72 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 subpar pool free?

subpar pool costs $4.99, 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, subpar pool or Simple Match 3?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. subpar pool averages 4.6 out of 5 from 39 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 247 ratings.

### Do subpar pool or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither subpar pool nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, subpar pool or Simple Match 3?

subpar pool ships an update every 2 weeks, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, subpar pool was updated on October 3, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, subpar pool or Simple Match 3?

subpar pool currently peaks at #72 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #55. 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.*