# Shift II vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shift II at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Shift II also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8) and review sentiment (100% vs 90%). Simple Match 3's advantage is ratings volume (247 vs 3) and price ($1.99 vs $4.99). On update cadence, ads and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Shift II costs $4.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Shift II asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shift II holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 247 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Shift II's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Shift II ships an update every 5 days, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shift II | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-ii/id6479950685/reviews)** | [4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **247** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 90.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#50** |
| Size | 4 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scenic Route Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/601940834) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Shift II

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shift-ii/id6479950685)

A challenging puzzle game with three distinct modes: managing energy, maintaining streaks, or beating a timer. Upgrade and downgrade tiles to achieve high scores and compete on online leaderboards. Enjoy a meditative experience, except for the frantic mode.

**Highlights:** Three gameplay modes (Calm, Frantic, Tactical), Online leaderboards, Tile upgrading and downgrading, Streak management, Timed challenges, Color themes

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #50 Top Paid · Casual, #69 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 Shift II free?

Shift II costs $4.99, 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, Shift II or Simple Match 3?

Shift II is rated higher. Shift II averages 5.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 247 ratings.

### Do Shift II or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Shift II nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

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

Shift II ships an update every 5 days, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Shift II was updated on September 18, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on September 25, 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.*