Ions vs Particle Simulation
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Ions
Explore a virtual sandbox with up to 20,000 particles of light. Create dazzling patterns in real-time by painting with ions, placing emitters, and using fields to attract or repel them. Features accelerometer support and five distinct visual styles.
- Control up to 20,000 particles
- Real-time pattern creation
- Interactive painting with ions
- Emitter placement for ion control
- Attract/repel fields
- Accelerometer support
- Five visual styles
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Ions was selected by Apple as a New and Noteworthy app in February and was the #1 Entertainment app for nearly a week! Ions was then selected as a Staff Favorite in March! Control up to 20,000 particles of light! Ions is an addictive virtual sandbox where you can create dazzling patterns in realtime. Ions runs at 60 fps and really shows off the power of the iPad. There are infinite creative possibilities with Ions - you won't be able to put it down! Use your fingers to either paint with ions or interact with them. Place emitters to control where new ions are created and their initial speeds and directions. Then use fields to either attract or repel ions, altering their velocities. Accelerometer support allows the ions to respond to gravity. You also have five different looks to choose from; each one completely changes the appearance of the ions. Additionally, you can save and load your favorite layouts at any time.
Particle Simulation
Explore a world of creativity and find tranquility with mesmerizing particle simulations. Interact with dynamic particles, customize their behavior, and create beautiful art impressions while listening to meditative music. It's a calming and creative outlet for stress reduction and self-expression.
- Dynamic particle simulation
- Meditative music
- Customizable parameters
- Autopilot mode
- Gyrosensor and haptic feedback
- Capture and share creations
- Save and load presets
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Seeking a calming and creative outlet? Particle Simulation offers a unique way to unwind and find tranquility through mesmerizing simulations. Explore Creative Freedom and Calmness Reduce stress and explore a world of creativity with our dynamic particle simulation. Simply touch the screen to interact with captivating particles that respond to your movements. Dive deep into a realm of fascination and artistic freedom, forging a connection with the universe. Features of Particle Simulation: - Easy-to-use particle simulation - Meditative music - Customizable parameters for color, motion, and more - Autopilot mode for hands-free enjoyment - Gyrosensor and haptic feedback integration - Capture and share your creations (Screenshots + Videos) - Save and load your favorite settings with presets Experience Freedom, Calmness, and Creativity Art is a powerful form of expression, and this app provides a safe and easy outlet for your thoughts and emotions. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, Particles Simulation invites you to transform your thoughts into beautiful, transient art impressions on your screen. Rediscover Inner Peace In a world filled with stress and negativity, find solace and awareness within this app. Open it anytime to reclaim your peace and make the most of your free time with this incredible, free app. Craft Beautiful Particle Art Impressions Use your fingertips to craft intricate forms and shapes with dynamic particles while listening to soothing, real-time generated music. Customize your experience with options like color, motion, and more for a personalized meditation and relaxation session. Ready to experience the soothing embrace of creative freedom? Download Particle Simulation now and enjoy breathtaking particle patterns and soulful music until you're completely relaxed. Because you deserve to find calmness and serenity. Questions or suggestions? Contact us at info@mkgames.org. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Ions at 84% against Particle Simulation's 25%. Ions also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 7 months). Particle Simulation's advantage is rating (4.5 vs 3.8) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Particle Simulation sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Ions asks for nothing beyond the download.
Particle Simulation holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 46 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 84% of Ions's written reviews are positive against 25% of Particle Simulation's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
Ions ships an update every 3 months, Particle Simulation every 7 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Ions | Particle Simulation |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.8 (13 ratings) | 4.5 (46 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 83.6% of reviews — better | 25.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 13 | 46 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months — better | Every 7 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 6.0 — better | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 13 MB | 132 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Douglas Applewhite | Marvin Krueger |
Customer experience
Ions
Particle Simulation
Bugs and requests
Ions
Reported bugs
7 issues- Rainbow color not working
- Multi-color part not working on iPad Air
- One of the layouts is broken
- App crashes when trying to save a layout
- Requires newest iPhone OS but user is on iPad
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- Mysteriously refuses to install
- In horizontal mode, screen is upside-down
Requested features
27 requests- Add a grid for accurate placement
- Option to hide sidebar/markers
- Add wall/boundaries for ions to bounce off
- Allow choosing number and size of ions
- More control over emitters and fields
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- Ability to create a system with charges
- 3D TV AirPlay support
- Particle collision option
- Duplicate fields and emitters
- Choose particle fading distance
- Link or group fields and emitters
- Modify, snap to, and toggle a grid
- Toggle fields and emitters' visibility
- Choose a background image
- Automate emitter/field position
- More 'looks' to choose from
- Friend connection for sharing layouts online
- Repelled and attractor plates
- Screens
- Input Solidworks models
- 3D capabilities
- Sound options (e.g., white noise)
- Arrow controls for fine-tuning field strength
- Increase ion cap
- Prevent sleep mode
- Choose color independent of speed
- Add different looks/themes
Particle Simulation
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Ions
No in-app purchases
Particle Simulation
- Particles PRO3 Days trial$3.997 Days
- Psychedelic magic | monthly$3.991 Month
- Particles PRO$17.991 Year
- Psychedelic magic$19.99
Questions
Is Ions free?
Is Particle Simulation free?
Which has better reviews, Ions or Particle Simulation?
Do Ions or Particle Simulation have ads?
Which is updated more often, Ions or Particle Simulation?
Other comparisons
