# Root Growth vs Sandy Blocks

The clearest difference is rating: Root Growth at 4.1 against Sandy Blocks's 2.6. Root Growth also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13) and ratings volume (1.4K vs 21). Sandy Blocks's advantage is review sentiment (26% vs 15%). On price, update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sandy Blocks sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Root Growth asks for nothing beyond the download.

Root Growth holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 2.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Root Growth has 1.4K ratings behind it against 21, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 15% of Root Growth's written reviews are positive against 26% of Sandy Blocks's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Root Growth ships an update monthly, Sandy Blocks every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Root Growth | Sandy Blocks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-growth/id1631261035/reviews)** | [2.6 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandy-blocks/id6450483763/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 21 |
| Positive reviews | 14.7% of reviews | **26.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 134 MB | 114 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [妮 赵](https://appshunter.io/developer/1630650670) | [Synthify Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1089257745) |

## What reviewers say

### Root Growth

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/root-growth/id1631261035)

Guide roots to grow and reach water sources, transforming them into large trees. Expand your reach to conquer entire planets and see how many you can occupy.

**Highlights:** Grow roots strategically, Reach water sources, Develop into large trees, Conquer planets, Expand your territory

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Satisfying gameplay
- 🌳 Cute and relaxing visuals
- 👍 No ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Excessive ads and monetization
- 🐛 Laggy performance
- 🕰️ Lack of content and short playtime

**Reported bugs**

- Spelling mistakes in UI
- Inconsistent gameplay mechanics

**Requested features**

- More levels and content
- Option to remove ads for a fee


### Sandy Blocks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandy-blocks/id6450483763)

This puzzle game transforms falling blocks into cascading sand. Strategically arrange blocks to connect walls, but watch them disintegrate into sand, altering the landscape and requiring quick thinking. Adapt to the fluid dynamics and fill gaps to score points in this visually stunning challenge.

**Highlights:** Blocks transform into sand, Strategic block arrangement, Dynamic, shifting landscape, Fluid sand dynamics, Score points by forming lines, Adapt to changing terrain

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 Skills | $5.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Coin | $5.99 | one-time |
| 30 min Time Boost | $5.99 | one-time |
| Time Boost | $5.99 | one-time |
| Skills | $5.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Bundle Deal | $14.99 | one-time |
| Bundle Pro | $14.99 | one-time |
| Unlock colors | $19.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Colour and Levels | $19.99 | one-time |
| Bundle Unlimited + No Ads | $49.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Root Growth free?

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

### Is Sandy Blocks free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Root Growth or Sandy Blocks?

Root Growth is rated higher. Root Growth averages 4.1 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while Sandy Blocks averages 2.6 from 21 ratings.

### Do Root Growth or Sandy Blocks have ads?

Both Root Growth and Sandy Blocks show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Root Growth or Sandy Blocks?

Root Growth ships an update monthly, and Sandy Blocks every 3 weeks. Most recently, Root Growth was updated on September 21, 2026 and Sandy Blocks on September 9, 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.*