Comparison

PuttingSim vs The Needle in the Haystack 2

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PuttingSim

Features
Read full description

PuttingSim sets out to use technology to enhance the putting practice sessions of all golfers. Just as driving ranges have enhanced the full swing practice experience with simulators, we believe putting should be no different! PuttingSim aims to provide a top class simulation experience to every golfers home at an affordable price. Key metrics captured include; total roll, launch direction, ball speed, swing path, face angle & face to path. Holes can be set at a variety of distances and analysed on different green speeds to see in the putt would of been holed or missed. SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS & USAGE The download of the app is free with limited access to navigate the informative sections of the app. Golf ball detection and metric calculation features are a paid service with a 1 month free trial when subscribing. Pricing Basic subscription - £1.99 a month (estimated, accurate pricing based on currency displayed in the app) LOVE THE APP? Rate us! SUPPORT Don't see the features you would like in the app, need help or just want to share your feedback? We love hearing from you to feel free to get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of our webpage https://puttingsimapi.azurewebsites.net/. TERMS OF SERVICE & PRIVACY https://puttingsim.com/termsofservice https://puttingsim.com/privacy

About

The Needle in the Haystack 2

Collaborate with up to eight players to search a massive haystack for a hidden needle. Collect hay, earn in-game currency, and purchase tools and machines to aid your search. Play solo or with friends in private or public yards.

Highlights
  • Cooperative multiplayer gameplay
  • Build tools and machines
  • Earn in-game currency
  • Private and public yards
  • Solo play option
  • Hands-only mode
Features
Read full description

One enormous haystack. One hidden needle. A crew that works together. Create a private yard for friends or join a public crew. Up to eight players collect hay, take it to the dealer and spend shared in-game money on tools, research and machines. You can also play solo. Start with your hands, use shovels and pitchforks, fill buckets and wheelbarrows, and build conveyor lines. Generators, balers, robot arms and scanners help your crew. Support excavated tunnels and recover the needle yourself. Then start a new search area. Choose hands-only mode for an extra challenge. The game needs an internet connection. You can play solo without signing in; shared online yards and account features use Sign in with Apple. Optional credit packs are available through in-app purchases. Credits buy selected permanent personal tools. Tools needed to reach the goal are also obtainable with money earned through play.

Screenshots

PuttingSim4 screens
The Needle in the Haystack 24 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: PuttingSim at none against The Needle in the Haystack 2's shown. The Needle in the Haystack 2's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 6 weeks) and device support (3 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PuttingSim sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and The Needle in the Haystack 2 sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PuttingSim ships an update every 6 weeks, The Needle in the Haystack 2 every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PuttingSim versus The Needle in the Haystack 2: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPuttingSimThe Needle in the Haystack 2
PriceFreeFree
Rating—1.3 (4 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, Apple Watch — better
Requires iOS16.4 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size129 MB334 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyan Fuller-NadinAlessandro Brning

In-app purchases

2 purchases

PuttingSim

Subscriptions2
  • Bronze Subscription Monthly1 Month trial$1.991 Month
  • Standard1 Month trial$4.991 Month
4 purchases

The Needle in the Haystack 2

One-time4
  • 50 Credits$4.99
  • 100 Credits$9.99
  • 500 Credits$49.99
Show 1 more
  • 1,000 Credits$99.99

Questions

Is PuttingSim free?
PuttingSim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is The Needle in the Haystack 2 free?
The Needle in the Haystack 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PuttingSim or The Needle in the Haystack 2 have ads?
The Needle in the Haystack 2 shows ads; PuttingSim does not.
Which is updated more often, PuttingSim or The Needle in the Haystack 2?
PuttingSim ships an update every 6 weeks, and The Needle in the Haystack 2 every 2 days. Most recently, PuttingSim was updated on October 30, 2026 and The Needle in the Haystack 2 on November 1, 2026.

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