# ZOOKEEPER DX vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is rating: Simple Match 3 at 4.8 against ZOOKEEPER DX's 3.7. Simple Match 3 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (90% vs 60%). ZOOKEEPER DX's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and price ($0.99 vs $1.99). On ads, chart position and device support there is nothing between them.

ZOOKEEPER DX costs $0.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ZOOKEEPER DX asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 247 ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of ZOOKEEPER DX's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

ZOOKEEPER DX ships an update every 3 months, Simple Match 3 weekly. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | ZOOKEEPER DX | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [3.7 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zookeeper-dx/id433596395/reviews) | **[4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 43 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | 60.3% of reviews | **90.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #121 | **#73** |
| Size | 206 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [KITERETSU INC.](https://appshunter.io/developer/400412887) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### ZOOKEEPER DX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zookeeper-dx/id433596395)

**Currently charting:** #121 Top Paid · Casual, #128 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

Engage in a classic match-three puzzle game where you swap adjacent panels to line up three or more of the same color. Clear levels by catching a quota of animals, with multiple modes offering different challenges and scoring opportunities.

**Highlights:** Swap adjacent panels, Match three or more animals, Catch animals to clear levels, Normal Mode, Tokoton Mode (unlimited time), Score Attack Mode (3-minute challenge), Online multiplayer

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Cute and charming visuals
- 👍 Great for passing time
- 👍 Nostalgic for DS players
- 🚀 Smooth performance on newer devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Compatibility issues on older devices
- 🐛 Choppy animations and frame rate
- 🐛 Unresponsive controls
- 🐛 Difficulty ramps up too quickly
- 🐛 Partial screen cutoff on iPhone

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on launch for some users
- Leaderboards show impossible high scores
- Pause function can be exploited
- Inconsistent performance across devices

**Requested features**

- Add quest mode from DS version
- Include time attack and other game modes
- Allow disabling timer for casual play
- Implement local high scores with names
- Add colorblind accessibility options


### Simple Match 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389)

**Currently charting:** #73 Top Paid · Casual, #83 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 ZOOKEEPER DX free?

ZOOKEEPER DX costs $0.99, 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, ZOOKEEPER DX or Simple Match 3?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. ZOOKEEPER DX averages 3.7 out of 5 from 43 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 247 ratings.

### Do ZOOKEEPER DX or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither ZOOKEEPER DX nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

ZOOKEEPER DX ships an update every 3 months, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, ZOOKEEPER DX was updated on October 17, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 17, 2026.

### Which is more popular, ZOOKEEPER DX or Simple Match 3?

ZOOKEEPER DX currently peaks at #121 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #73. 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.*