# Bubble Explode vs Bubble Tap

The clearest difference is rating: Bubble Tap at 5.0 against Bubble Explode's 4.6. Bubble Tap also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). Bubble Explode's advantage is ratings volume (19K vs 3). On price, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Bubble Explode sells 15 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per month and Bubble Tap sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Bubble Tap holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bubble Explode has 19K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Bubble Explode's written reviews are positive against 83% of Bubble Tap's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 2, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bubble Explode | Bubble Tap |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (19K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-explode-pop-puzzle/id376098160/reviews) | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-tap-bubble-popper/id1003134085/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **19K** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 78.8% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 243 MB | 17 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Spooky House Studios UG (haftungsbeschraenkt)](https://appshunter.io/developer/376098163) | [Colin Lyders](https://appshunter.io/developer/820715591) |

## What reviewers say

### Bubble Explode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-explode-pop-puzzle/id376098160)

Engage in a captivating bubble-popping puzzle experience with chain reactions and satisfying animations. Explore numerous game modes, unlock new skins, and compete globally. Save your progress and customize your gameplay speed.

**Highlights:** Chain reaction bubble explosions, Multiple game modes, Unlockable skins, Global online scoreboards, Adjustable animation speed, Undo moves

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium User 1 Month | $5.99 | per month |
| Premium User 1 Week free trial | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Premium User 1 Year | $49.99 | per year |
| 1000 Pearls | $1.99 | one-time |
| 30 Gems | $1.99 | one-time |
| Daily offer | $3.99 | one-time |
| 80 Gems | $3.99 | one-time |
| Bubble Explode Ad Free | $4.99 | one-time |
| 5 000 Pearls 30% OFF | $5.99 | one-time |
| Daily Offer x3 | $5.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Pearls | $5.99 | one-time |
| 10000 Pearls | $9.99 | one-time |
| 25 000 Pearls | $19.99 | one-time |
| 150 000 Pearls | $99.99 | one-time |
| 1 Million Pearls | $499.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and relaxing games
- 🧠 Challenging and engaging
- 🎨 Great graphics and visuals
- 🎶 Enjoyable music and sounds
- 💰 Generous with free pearls/coins

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔄 Forced ads and in-app purchases
- 🤔 Confusing or unfair game mechanics
- 🕰️ Slow or unresponsive gameplay
- 🔍 Cluttered and distracting UI

**Reported bugs**

- Wildcard/power-up reloading issues
- Incorrect or missing achievements
- Uneven difficulty spikes in some games
- Touchscreen calibration problems
- Forced bonus levels disrupting gameplay

**Requested features**

- More free game modes and content
- Ability to disable ads and suggestions
- Improved scoring and progression systems
- Better syncing across devices
- More customization options


### Bubble Tap

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-tap-bubble-popper/id1003134085)

Tap groups of 2 or more same-colored bubbles to pop them and earn points. Choose between Standard and Color modes, customize your background, and compete on global leaderboards. Earn bonus bubbles or purchase packs to enhance gameplay.

**Highlights:** Two game modes: Standard & Color, Customizable screen background, Bonus bubble mechanic, Global Leaderboard integration, Achievements and game stats, Undo last tap functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bonus Bubble 10 Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| No Ads Upgrade | $0.99 | one-time |
| Bonus Bubble 25 Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bonus Bubble 50 Pack | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Bubble Explode free?

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

### Is Bubble Tap free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Bubble Explode or Bubble Tap?

Bubble Tap is rated higher. Bubble Explode averages 4.6 out of 5 from 19K ratings, while Bubble Tap averages 5.0 from 3 ratings.

### Do Bubble Explode or Bubble Tap have ads?

Both Bubble Explode and Bubble Tap show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bubble Explode or Bubble Tap?

Bubble Explode ships an update every 2 months, and Bubble Tap every 2 months. Most recently, Bubble Explode was updated on October 14, 2026 and Bubble Tap on October 2, 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.*