# Dots and Boxes vs Bolt Sort

The clearest difference is rating: Dots and Boxes at 4.5 against Bolt Sort's 2.0. Dots and Boxes also leads on ratings volume (19 vs 1). Bolt Sort's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dots and Boxes sells 20 one-off in-app purchases and Bolt Sort sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Dots and Boxes holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Dots and Boxes has 19 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Dots and Boxes ships an update every 3 weeks, Bolt Sort fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dots and Boxes | Bolt Sort |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-and-boxes-a-new-era/id6448725788/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bolt-sort-stacking-puzzle/id6747867810/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **19** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 422 MB | 242 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [300 MIND](https://appshunter.io/developer/1620348914) | [CELLSOFT](https://appshunter.io/developer/1794961209) |

## What reviewers say

### Dots and Boxes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dots-and-boxes-a-new-era/id6448725788)

A classic strategy game reimagined for real-time global competition. Connect dots to form lines, claim squares, and strategically use power-ups to outmaneuver opponents in diverse arenas. Experience fast-paced PvP battles with unique gameplay variations in each location.

**Highlights:** Real-time PvP multiplayer battles, 10 unique global arenas, 15+ unlockable power-ups, Master rank progression, Unique gameplay variations per arena, Fast-paced strategic gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Treasure Deal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Megical Choice | $0.99 | one-time |
| Banner Deal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Daily Deals | $0.99 | one-time |
| Top Deals | $0.99 | one-time |
| Flash Deal | $0.99 | one-time |
| Golden Pass | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack 1 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Daily Deals | $1.99 | one-time |
| Golden spin wheel | $1.99 | one-time |
| Top Deals | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gem pack - 2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack - 3 | $4.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 4 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack - 4 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack - 5 | $13.99 | one-time |
| Gem Pack - 5 | $14.99 | one-time |
| Coin pack - 6 | $24.99 | one-time |
| Gem pack 6 | $24.99 | one-time |


### Bolt Sort

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bolt-sort-stacking-puzzle/id6747867810)

A simple yet addictive sorting game where players stack nuts of the same color onto matching bolts. It offers hundreds of brain-teasing levels and free power-ups to help solve tricky puzzles. Train your logic and enjoy endless sorting fun.

**Highlights:** Stack same-colored nuts, Hundreds of levels, Brain-teasing puzzles, Free power-ups, Logic training

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly deal | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Small chest | $0.99 | one-time |
| No Ads bundle Sale | $2.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack Sale | $2.99 | one-time |
| Normal chest | $2.99 | one-time |
| No Ads bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Special offer Sale | $4.99 | one-time |
| Giant chest | $5.99 | one-time |
| Special offer | $7.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dots and Boxes free?

Dots and Boxes is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Bolt Sort free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Dots and Boxes or Bolt Sort?

Dots and Boxes is rated higher. Dots and Boxes averages 4.5 out of 5 from 19 ratings, while Bolt Sort averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Dots and Boxes or Bolt Sort have ads?

Both Dots and Boxes and Bolt Sort show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Dots and Boxes or Bolt Sort?

Dots and Boxes ships an update every 3 weeks, and Bolt Sort fortnightly. Most recently, Dots and Boxes was updated on October 24, 2026 and Bolt Sort on October 22, 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.*