# Elemental Sands vs Idle Networks

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Idle Networks at 81% against Elemental Sands's 44%. Idle Networks also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.3) and ratings volume (425 vs 70). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Elemental Sands sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Idle Networks sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Idle Networks holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Idle Networks has 425 ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Elemental Sands's written reviews are positive against 81% of Idle Networks's.

Elemental Sands ships an update every 3 weeks, Idle Networks every 11 days. Both last shipped on November 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Elemental Sands | Idle Networks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.3 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-sands/id6474100439/reviews) | **[4.7 (425 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-networks-tech-tycoon/id6744020905/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 70 | **425** |
| Positive reviews | 44.1% of reviews | **81.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 222 MB | 316 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [TapTide Interactive](https://appshunter.io/developer/1711698136) | [Faelight Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1805569435) |

## What reviewers say

### Elemental Sands

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/elemental-sands/id6474100439)

Build and automate a magical business empire in a fantasy world. Harness elemental powers to boost production and profits, collect rare items, and expand your reach to become a legendary CEO. This idle clicker game blends strategy with enchanting visuals.

**Highlights:** Build and automate business empire, Harness elemental power for production, Collect magical items and abilities, Increase company valuation and profits, Explore a fantasy world, Strategic management gameplay

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 24 Gold | $0.99 | one-time |
| Study Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Volatile Study Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Auto Buy | $4.99 | one-time |
| The Electric Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| No Ads Boost | $4.99 | one-time |
| 135 Gold | $4.99 | one-time |
| 310 Gold | $9.99 | one-time |
| Research Bundle | $12.99 | one-time |
| Volatile Research Bundle | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Refreshing free-to-play model
- 🎶 Excellent soundtrack
- 👍 Unique currency system
- 👍 Enjoyable idle gameplay
- 👍 Good aesthetic and art style

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐢 Drastic slowdown in progression
- 📉 Slow early game progression
- 📉 Progression feels stagnant
- 📉 Lack of rewarding progression
- 📉 Very slow and lacking features

**Reported bugs**

- Progress lost twice due to account issues
- App fails to load (tuning transmission frequencies)
- Updates bricked progress
- New patch reset sand capacity and spawn rate
- Game is locked with question marks on start

**Requested features**

- Convert excess sand to vials offline
- Increase level cap
- More content and end goals
- Formal suggestion channel (Discord)
- More mechanics in future updates


### Idle Networks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-networks-tech-tycoon/id6744020905)

Build a tech empire in this minimalist idle tycoon game. Automate resource management, upgrade towers, and earn gold even while offline. Conquer unique networks and hack your way to becoming the wealthiest tycoon.

**Highlights:** Idle Tycoon Simulator, Build & Upgrade Towers, Diamond Mining, Hack Rival Towers, Cyber Ops Missions, Offline Earnings, Seasonal Events

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Value Pack - 50% Off | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Enterprise Pack - 50% Off | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unicorn Club - 50% Off | $2.49 | one-time |
| Unicorn Club - 25% Off | $3.79 | one-time |
| Enterprise Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unicorn Club - Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack - 50% Off | $4.99 | one-time |
| Empire Pack - 50% Off | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Elemental Sands free?

Elemental Sands is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Idle Networks free?

Idle Networks is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Elemental Sands or Idle Networks?

Idle Networks is rated higher. Elemental Sands averages 4.3 out of 5 from 70 ratings, while Idle Networks averages 4.7 from 425 ratings.

### Do Elemental Sands or Idle Networks have ads?

Both Elemental Sands and Idle Networks show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Elemental Sands or Idle Networks?

Elemental Sands ships an update every 3 weeks, and Idle Networks every 11 days. Most recently, Elemental Sands was updated on November 4, 2026 and Idle Networks on November 4, 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.*