# Nova Golf Lite vs SMPL Golf

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: SMPL Golf at none against Nova Golf Lite's 10. SMPL Golf also leads on iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). Nova Golf Lite's advantage is review sentiment (61% vs 50%) and ratings volume (16 vs 4). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Nova Golf Lite sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. SMPL Golf asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.1 for Nova Golf Lite against 4.0 for SMPL Golf. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 4 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 61% of Nova Golf Lite's written reviews are positive against 50% of SMPL Golf's.

Nova Golf Lite ships an update every 3 months, SMPL Golf every 2 months. Both last shipped on August 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nova Golf Lite | SMPL Golf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-golf-lite/id503868317/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smpl-golf/id6746171849/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **61.1% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 59 MB | 513 MB |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nuclear Nova Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/289559290) | [Edward Johnson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1650159813) |

## What reviewers say

### Nova Golf Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nova-golf-lite/id503868317)

Experience realistic golf with stunning 3D graphics and diverse courses from around the world. Customize your golfer, compete in career mode, and challenge friends in multiplayer. Earn virtual currency or use in-app purchases for custom clubs and balls.

**Highlights:** Realistic ball physics, Stunning 3D graphics, Unique global courses, Customizable characters, Career mode, Multiplayer challenges, In-app purchases for clubs/balls

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Dozen of all Balls | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1,000 Experience | $0.99 | one-time |
| Driver | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wood | $0.99 | one-time |
| Iron | $0.99 | one-time |
| Wedge | $0.99 | one-time |
| Putter | $0.99 | one-time |
| Level Overdrive | $0.99 | one-time |
| Character Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Extra Mulligans | $0.99 | one-time |


### SMPL Golf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smpl-golf/id6746171849)

Experience a realistic golf simulation with intuitive one-handed controls. Master shot mechanics, course strategy, and environmental factors to conquer every hole. Play full rounds in minutes or enjoy quick sessions anytime.

**Highlights:** Intuitive drag-and-release controls, Realistic ball physics (wind, spin, lie, terrain), Strategic course navigation, One-handed gameplay, Quick 18-hole rounds, Progress saved after every swing

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nova Golf Lite free?

Nova Golf Lite is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is SMPL Golf free?

SMPL Golf is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Nova Golf Lite or SMPL Golf?

Nova Golf Lite is rated higher. Nova Golf Lite averages 4.1 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while SMPL Golf averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Nova Golf Lite or SMPL Golf have ads?

Neither Nova Golf Lite nor SMPL Golf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nova Golf Lite or SMPL Golf?

Nova Golf Lite ships an update every 3 months, and SMPL Golf every 2 months. Most recently, Nova Golf Lite was updated on August 26, 2026 and SMPL Golf on August 26, 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.*