# Zerko vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Zerko at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Zerko also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks) and ratings volume (247 vs 14). On rating, review sentiment, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Zerko costs $2.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Zerko asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Zerko against 4.8 for Simple Match 3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 247 ratings behind it against 14, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 93% of Zerko's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Zerko ships an update every 3 weeks, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 30, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Zerko | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zerko/id6470181559/reviews)** | [4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 14 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | **93.3% of reviews** | 90.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | #196 | **#32** |
| Size | 100 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maciej Targoni](https://appshunter.io/developer/495165602) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Zerko

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zerko/id6470181559)

**Currently charting:** #196 Top Paid · Casual (US App Store)

A relaxing puzzle game where you strategically place blocks to make all numbers on the board equal zero. Enjoy a no-pressure experience with calming audio and no in-app purchases or ads.

**Highlights:** Zero-sum number puzzles, Strategic block placement, Relaxing gameplay, No time pressure, No in-app purchases, No ads

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Paid · Casual, #44 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 Zerko free?

Zerko costs $2.99, 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, Zerko or Simple Match 3?

Zerko is rated higher. Zerko averages 4.9 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 247 ratings.

### Do Zerko or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Zerko nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

Zerko ships an update every 3 weeks, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Zerko was updated on September 30, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 14, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Zerko or Simple Match 3?

Zerko currently peaks at #196 in the App Store charts, and Simple Match 3 at #32. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*