# Sparkle 2 vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Sparkle 2 at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Sparkle 2 also leads on iOS requirement (8.0 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and price ($1.99 vs $6.99). On rating, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Sparkle 2 costs $6.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Sparkle 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Sparkle 2 against 4.8 for Simple Match 3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 324 and 258 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 92% of Sparkle 2's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Sparkle 2 ships an update every 4 months, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sparkle 2 | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $6.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (324 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkle-2/id639268676/reviews)** | [4.8 (258 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **324** | 258 |
| Positive reviews | **92.4% of reviews** | 89.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#87** |
| Size | 221 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [10tons Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/295046390) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Sparkle 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkle-2/id639268676)

Match orbs with magical enchantments and powerups to stop them from falling into an abyss. Explore mysterious lands, discover enchanted keys, and unlock secrets in this visually stunning puzzle adventure.

**Highlights:** Orb matching puzzle action, Magical enchantments and powerups, Story, Survival, and Challenge modes, Over 90 unique levels, 200+ enchantment combinations, Voice-over narration, Original soundtrack

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Adorable artwork
- 👍 Smooth gameplay
- 🎵 Wonderful music and sound effects
- 🕹️ Addictive and fun
- 💻 Excellent for newer devices

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes on iOS 16
- 📺 Low resolution graphics on some devices
- 🤯 Levels too easy for experienced players

**Reported bugs**

- Instant crashes on launch
- Pause menu issues with gesture controls

**Requested features**

- Add difficulty settings
- Implement progress sync across devices
- Restart levels in easier mode


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #87 Top Paid · Casual, #111 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 Sparkle 2 free?

Sparkle 2 costs $6.99, 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, Sparkle 2 or Simple Match 3?

Sparkle 2 is rated higher. Sparkle 2 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 324 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 258 ratings.

### Do Sparkle 2 or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Sparkle 2 nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sparkle 2 or Simple Match 3?

Sparkle 2 ships an update every 4 months, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Sparkle 2 was updated on October 26, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 27, 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.*