# Alchemy vs Simple Alchemy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Simple Alchemy at none against Alchemy's 7. Simple Alchemy also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 59%) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). Alchemy's advantage is ratings volume (2.7K vs 6) and update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Alchemy sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Simple Alchemy asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Alchemy holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Alchemy has 2.7K ratings behind it against 6, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Alchemy's written reviews are positive against 91% of Simple Alchemy's.

Alchemy ships an update every 6 days, Simple Alchemy monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alchemy | Simple Alchemy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-non-logical-puzzle/id376205543/reviews) | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-alchemy/id6462784198/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.7K** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 59.1% of reviews | **90.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 230 MB | 98 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Nyblecraft Pty Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/315252602) | [登理 郝](https://appshunter.io/developer/910536182) |

## What reviewers say

### Alchemy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-non-logical-puzzle/id376205543)

Combine elements using imagination and logic to discover new ones. This game offers an intuitive and creative puzzle experience with a vast number of elements to explore. Challenge friends and unleash your inner wizard.

**Highlights:** Intuitive gameplay, Unique puzzle combinations, Large number of elements, Ad-free version available, Hint system

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Thanks to developers | $0.99 | one-time |
| One Hint | $0.99 | one-time |
| 3 Hints | $1.99 | one-time |
| 5 Hints | $2.99 | one-time |
| 7 Hints | $3.99 | one-time |
| Full Version | $4.99 | one-time |
| 9 hints | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Attractive and colorful design
- 🧠 Mentally stimulating gameplay
- 🕰️ Relaxing and enjoyable experience
- 👍 Fun and addictive
- 🎮 Great way to pass the time

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate and find elements
- 💰 In-app purchases not working as expected
- 📺 Intrusive and excessive ads
- 🔌 Progress not saving properly

**Reported bugs**

- Elements disappearing after exiting the game
- Scroll feature not functioning properly
- Store/in-app purchases not working
- Constant ads covering the gameplay area
- Game crashing on startup or when loading

**Requested features**

- Alphabetical or categorized element sorting
- Ability to view past combinations
- More free hints or clues
- Better organization of the game screen
- Smoother scrolling and element selection


### Simple Alchemy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-alchemy/id6462784198)

A puzzle game where you combine basic elements to discover over 600 unique items, including cities, mermaids, and aliens. Enjoy one-handed gameplay and offline play with over 20 achievements.

**Highlights:** Discover 980+ elements, One-handed gameplay, 20+ Achievements, Offline play, Mix elements to create items

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alchemy free?

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

### Is Simple Alchemy free?

Simple Alchemy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Alchemy or Simple Alchemy?

Simple Alchemy is rated higher. Alchemy averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Simple Alchemy averages 4.8 from 6 ratings.

### Do Alchemy or Simple Alchemy have ads?

Both Alchemy and Simple Alchemy show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Alchemy or Simple Alchemy?

Alchemy ships an update every 6 days, and Simple Alchemy monthly. Most recently, Alchemy was updated on October 27, 2026 and Simple Alchemy on October 25, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*