# Gem Stack vs Pasta Machine

Gem Stack and Pasta Machine both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 35% of Gem Stack's written reviews are positive against 16% of Pasta Machine's. Gem Stack also leads on ratings volume (36K vs 8.7K). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gem Stack sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Pasta Machine sells 22 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Gem Stack against 4.6 for Pasta Machine. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 36K and 8.7K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 35% of Gem Stack's written reviews are positive against 16% of Pasta Machine's.

Gem Stack ships an update weekly, Pasta Machine fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gem Stack | Pasta Machine |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-stack/id1601511059/reviews) | [4.6 (8.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pasta-machine/id1644846445/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **36K** | 8.7K |
| Positive reviews | **34.9% of reviews** | 15.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 389 MB | 325 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Rollic Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1452111779) | [Lumos Games Teknoloji Yazilim ve Pazarlama Anonim Sirketi](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546875451) |

## What reviewers say

### Gem Stack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-stack/id1601511059)

Collect and stack precious gems while navigating a treacherous obstacle course. Dodge traps, merge valuable gems, and protect your growing pile to reach the finish line and claim your rewards. Experience satisfying gem-collecting gameplay with bright visuals and addictive progression.

**Highlights:** Satisfying gem runner gameplay, Obstacle dodging action, Gem merging mechanics, Bright and glittering visuals, Addictive progression system, Collect and stack gems

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Satisfying gem crafting
- 🕹️ Works offline

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Too many ads
- 🤔 Paid 'no ads' feature doesn't work
- 🐌 Glitchy and slow performance
- 💰 Purchases don't remove ads

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes after certain levels
- Purchases not properly registered
- Inconsistent end-of-level experience

**Requested features**

- More level variety and difficulty progression
- Ability to customize gem types and jewelry
- Better in-game currency system
- Improved customer support


### Pasta Machine

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pasta-machine/id1644846445)

Engage in a relaxing ASMR idle and clicker game. Shape dough, slice with precision, and build your pasta production line. Enjoy satisfying animations and realistic sounds for endless fun.

**Highlights:** ASMR idle gameplay, Clicker mechanics, Dough shaping, Precision slicing, Production line growth, Satisfying animations, Realistic sounds

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

**In-app purchases (22)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ad Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| VIP Pass 1 Week | $6.99 | per 7 days |
| Starter Bundle Subscription | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| VIP Pass 1 Month | $19.99 | per month |
| Speed Bundle Subscription | $19.99 | per 7 days |
| Endless Skip Subscription | $49.99 | per 7 days |
| Remove Ad Bundle Subscription | $54.99 | per 7 days |
| Skip-it 10 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gem 2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Skip-it 25 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Fusulli Pasta | $4.99 | one-time |
| Skip-it Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Gem 3 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Game Pass | $6.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ad | $6.99 | one-time |
| Special Offer 1 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Halloween Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Pack Starter | $8.99 | one-time |
| Skip-it 100 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Spaghetti Pasta | $9.99 | one-time |
| Gem 4 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Pasta Pack | $15.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Satisfying gameplay
- 👍 Relaxing experience
- 💡 Unique concept

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Glitches and bugs
- 🤑 Excessive ads and monetization
- ⏱️ Slow progression and upgrades
- 🤯 Frustrating user experience

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezes after completing level 2
- Daily rewards not working as intended
- Progress resets when leveling up

**Requested features**

- More variety in pasta types and visuals
- Improved progression and leveling system
- Ability to play offline


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gem Stack free?

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

### Is Pasta Machine free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gem Stack or Pasta Machine?

Gem Stack and Pasta Machine are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 36K and 8.7K ratings respectively.

### Do Gem Stack or Pasta Machine have ads?

Both Gem Stack and Pasta Machine show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Gem Stack or Pasta Machine?

Gem Stack ships an update weekly, and Pasta Machine fortnightly. Most recently, Gem Stack was updated on October 10, 2026 and Pasta Machine on October 12, 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.*