# Algodoo vs Sandbox Planet

The clearest difference is rating: Sandbox Planet at 4.5 against Algodoo's 3.8. Sandbox Planet also leads on device support (3 vs 1). Algodoo's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On review sentiment there is nothing between them.

Algodoo costs $7.99 and Sandbox Planet $14.99 up front. Sandbox Planet sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Algodoo asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sandbox Planet holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.2K and 303 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of Algodoo's written reviews are positive against 52% of Sandbox Planet's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Algodoo ships an update monthly, Sandbox Planet every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 21, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Algodoo | Sandbox Planet |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$7.99** | $14.99 |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algodoo/id616064935/reviews) | **[4.5 (303 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-planet/id1527841661/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.2K** | 303 |
| Positive reviews | **58.7% of reviews** | 51.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 29 MB | 119 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, Mac** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Algoryx Simulation AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/464050548) | [Oscar Tsang](https://appshunter.io/developer/416987065) |

## What reviewers say

### Algodoo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/algodoo/id616064935)

Design and experiment with realistic 2D physics simulations. Build intricate machines, create virtual science experiments, and explore cause and effect. Share your creations and discover those of others in a vibrant community.

**Highlights:** Create objects with shapes or free-hand drawing, Combine components for intricate machines, Choose and customize materials, Simulate physics with gravity and aerodynamics, Explore ideas through trial and error, Build animations, contraptions, and experiments, Access community-created scenes

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great physics simulation
- 👍 Interesting and fun to use
- 💡 Ability to create and share creations
- 🚀 No ads

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🐛 Issues with loading and saving scenes
- 🐛 Textures and images not working properly
- 🐛 Laggy performance with complex scenes

**Reported bugs**

- Scenes resetting to tutorial
- Textures and images not loading properly
- Crashes when trying to import images
- Buttons and controls not working as expected

**Requested features**

- Add text and scripting options on mobile
- Improve mobile UI and controls
- Implement more features from PC version
- Fix issues with account bans and deletions


### Sandbox Planet

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sandbox-planet/id1527841661)

Create and customize your own solar systems and planets. Emulate the development of the universe with highly detailed simulation tools. Build any celestial body you can imagine.

**Highlights:** Solar system simulation, Planet building, Universe emulation, Customizable creation, Celestial body design

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 5000 GP | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ad | $2.99 | one-time |
| 25000 GP | $5.99 | one-time |
| 50000 GP | $9.99 | one-time |
| 120000 GP | $19.99 | one-time |
| 200000 GP | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Very fun and enjoyable game
- ✨ Beautiful graphics
- 🌌 Great sandbox experience
- 🎮 Compatible with iOS 18
- 🌠 Ability to design planets

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Expensive in-app purchases
- 💰 Pay-to-win mechanics
- 📉 Slow progression without spending
- 😩 Ads are frequent and intrusive
- ⏳ Takes too long to create planets

**Reported bugs**

- Advertisements have non-functional close buttons
- App crashes frequently
- Video ads for currency don't load
- Bug with GP conversion where it decreases
- Daytime interface is too bright

**Requested features**

- Random planets and stars should spawn
- Add currency earning methods
- Allow naming of planets
- Add more content
- Make the game harder


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Algodoo free?

Algodoo costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sandbox Planet free?

Sandbox Planet costs $14.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Algodoo or Sandbox Planet?

Sandbox Planet is rated higher. Algodoo averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Sandbox Planet averages 4.5 from 303 ratings.

### Do Algodoo or Sandbox Planet have ads?

Sandbox Planet shows ads; Algodoo does not.

### Which is updated more often, Algodoo or Sandbox Planet?

Algodoo ships an update monthly, and Sandbox Planet every 3 months. Most recently, Algodoo was updated on October 21, 2026 and Sandbox Planet on October 21, 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.*