# Bubble Mags vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bubble Mags at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Bubble Mags also leads on price ($0.99 vs $1.99) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is review sentiment (90% vs 66%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 5 weeks). On rating, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 287 and 257 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Bubble Mags's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Bubble Mags ships an update every 5 weeks, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bubble Mags | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$0.99** | $1.99 |
| Rating | [4.6 (287 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-mags-no-ads/id477707236/reviews) | **[4.8 (257 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **287** | 257 |
| Positive reviews | 65.6% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#85** |
| Size | 24 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kim Bobby Productions](https://appshunter.io/developer/430206915) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Bubble Mags

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-mags-no-ads/id477707236)

Engage in a captivating physics-based puzzle game where you aim and shoot colored bubbles to clear the screen. Choose from multiple game modes and difficulty levels for endless fun. The realistic physics simulation brings the bubbles to life, offering a unique and challenging experience.

**Highlights:** Physics simulation, Three game modes (Normal, Stress, Clean), Four difficulty levels, Six bubblestyles, Tap to aim and shoot bubbles, Match 2+ same-colored bubbles

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Very addicting
- 👍 Simple and easy to play
- 👍 Good for passing time
- 👍 Relaxing gameplay
- 👍 No ads (paid version)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Game cheats
- 🐛 Bubbles don't match
- 🐛 Tilt not working
- 🐛 High difficulty spikes
- 🐛 Endless mode limited

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes
- Tilt not working on iPhone 12
- Game cheats
- Bubbles of non-matching colors
- Link to help doesn't work

**Requested features**

- Consider colors for color blindness
- Update app for iOS 18 and higher
- See next shooter on deck
- Scoring for least number of turns
- Save button for high score


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #85 Top Paid · Casual, #110 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 Bubble Mags free?

Bubble Mags 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, Bubble Mags or Simple Match 3?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. Bubble Mags averages 4.6 out of 5 from 287 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 257 ratings.

### Do Bubble Mags or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Bubble Mags nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

Bubble Mags ships an update every 5 weeks, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Bubble Mags was updated on October 23, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 24, 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.*