# TheDLA vs Physarum

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TheDLA at none against Physarum's 6. TheDLA also leads on iOS requirement (16.6 vs 26.0). Physarum's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Physarum sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. TheDLA asks for nothing beyond the download.

Physarum holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Physarum has 32 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two.

TheDLA ships an update every 3 months, Physarum every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | TheDLA | Physarum |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedla/id506499656/reviews) | **[4.8 (32 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physarum-slime-mold/id6744574947/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **32** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 10 MB | 32 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.6** | 26.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daishin Ueyama](https://appshunter.io/developer/495395197) | [GEORGY OSTROBROD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875865758) |

## What reviewers say

### TheDLA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thedla/id506499656)

Explore pattern formation in nature with this app. It visualizes Diffusion Limited Aggregation, allowing you to create unique, complex dendritic patterns. Experiment with different interactions to generate artistic and scientific designs.

**Highlights:** Visualize Diffusion Limited Aggregation, Create complex dendritic patterns, Interactive pattern generation, Color selection for branches, Export images to photo library, Twitter, Facebook, GIF animation export, Face detection for particle placement

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Physarum

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/physarum-slime-mold/id6744574947)

Explore the fascinating emergent behavior of slime molds through a visually rich simulation. Adjust agent parameters, influence growth with intuitive controls, and discover complex, mesmerizing patterns.

**Highlights:** Slime mold behavior simulation, Autonomous agent control, Adjustable agent parameters, Maze solving and network formation, Vibrant color modes, Interactive system manipulation

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small developer tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium developer tip | $3.99 | one-time |
| Big developer tip | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TheDLA free?

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

### Is Physarum free?

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

### Which has better reviews, TheDLA or Physarum?

Physarum is rated higher. TheDLA averages 4.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Physarum averages 4.8 from 32 ratings.

### Do TheDLA or Physarum have ads?

Neither TheDLA nor Physarum shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, TheDLA or Physarum?

TheDLA ships an update every 3 months, and Physarum every 5 weeks. Most recently, TheDLA was updated on November 1, 2026 and Physarum on October 30, 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.*