# Railbound vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Railbound at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Railbound also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is price ($1.99 vs $4.99) and review sentiment (90% vs 80%). On rating, ratings volume, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Railbound against 4.8 for Simple Match 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 117 and 247 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 80% of Railbound's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Railbound ships an update every 3 days, Simple Match 3 weekly. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Railbound | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.8 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/railbound/id1636439801/reviews) | [4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 117 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | 80.0% of reviews | **90.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #84 | **#60** |
| Size | 229 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Afterburn Lukasz Spierewka](https://appshunter.io/developer/1417966885) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Railbound

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/railbound/id1636439801)

**Currently charting:** #84 Top Paid · Casual, #106 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

A cozy puzzle game where you guide two dogs on a global train adventure. Bend and connect railways to help carriages reach the locomotive safely, navigating over 240 unique challenges across diverse landscapes. Enjoy a relaxing experience with charming visuals and a soothing soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Bend and connect railways, Over 240 clever puzzles, Train-inspired mechanics (tunnels, barriers, switches), Comic-book-inspired visuals, Relaxing original soundtrack, Pick up cute friends

**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:** #60 Top Paid · Casual, #76 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 Railbound free?

Railbound 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, Railbound or Simple Match 3?

Railbound and Simple Match 3 are both rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store, from 117 and 247 ratings respectively.

### Do Railbound or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Railbound nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

Railbound ships an update every 3 days, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Railbound was updated on September 22, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on September 22, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Railbound or Simple Match 3?

Railbound currently peaks at #84 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #60. 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.*