# Simple Match 3 vs Sudoku

The clearest difference is price: Sudoku at Free against Simple Match 3's $1.99. Simple Match 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.8 vs 4.3). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Sudoku is free to download; Simple Match 3 costs $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Sudoku sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 257 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 90% of Simple Match 3's written reviews are positive against 60% of Sudoku's.

Simple Match 3 ships an update weekly, Sudoku every 2 months. Both last shipped on November 8, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Match 3 | Sudoku |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.8 (257 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** | [4.3 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-color-multiplayer/id6744914148/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **257** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **89.7% of reviews** | 60.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#42** | — |
| Size | 463 MB | 7 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) | [Nykylo Media LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1756660380) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Match 3

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

**Currently charting:** #42 Top Paid · Casual, #53 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


### Sudoku

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-color-multiplayer/id6744914148)

This puzzle game reimagines classic Sudoku with vibrant colors instead of numbers. Compete against friends or strangers in real-time multiplayer matches, tackle daily challenges with unique twists, or enjoy a solo experience with adjustable difficulty levels and helpful tools.

**Highlights:** Color-based Sudoku gameplay, Online 1v1 multiplayer, Daily challenges with twists, Five difficulty levels, Pencil notes and auto-notes, Hints and undo options, Achievements and leaderboards

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nightmare Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

Simple Match 3 costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Sudoku free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Simple Match 3 or Sudoku?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 257 ratings, while Sudoku averages 4.3 from 15 ratings.

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

Sudoku shows ads; Simple Match 3 does not.

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

Simple Match 3 ships an update weekly, and Sudoku every 2 months. Most recently, Simple Match 3 was updated on November 8, 2026 and Sudoku on November 8, 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.*