# Nodes vs Thread and Beads

The clearest difference is rating: Thread and Beads at 5.0 against Nodes's 4.6. Nodes's advantage is ratings volume (392 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Nodes sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days and Thread and Beads sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Thread and Beads holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Nodes has 392 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Nodes | Thread and Beads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (392 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nodes-connect-dots-to-relax/id6498960573/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thread-and-beads/id6761869741/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **392** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 65.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 69 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NUR NURIYE ERSAHIN](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706584858) | [Tea Stained House LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891874030) |

## What reviewers say

### Nodes

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nodes-connect-dots-to-relax/id6498960573)

Connect dots to reveal beautiful, handcrafted images in a relaxing puzzle game. Enjoy a calming experience at your own pace, perfect for listening to podcasts or music. Pick up where you left off anytime.

**Highlights:** Connect dots to form art, Handcrafted puzzles, Relaxing gameplay, Save progress, No time limits, Clear incorrect connections

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $0.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $24.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful and artistic puzzle designs
- 😌 Relaxing and meditative gameplay experience
- ✨ Smooth and polished user interface
- 🌙 Dark mode available
- 📱 Great Vertex replacement for NYT fans

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent bugs and glitches
- 📉 Infrequent puzzle updates
- 🔒 Paywall restricts access to acquired puzzles
- 🎨 Childish art style for some users
- 📱 Landscape mode not supported on iPad

**Reported bugs**

- Lines connecting to unintended dots
- App crashes requiring restart
- Progress deletion mid-puzzle
- Puzzles not saving completion status
- Touch controls directing swipes to wrong anchors

**Requested features**

- Undo or delete line functionality
- Ability to replay completed puzzles
- More frequent puzzle updates and releases
- One-time purchase option instead of subscription
- Portrait mode support


### Thread and Beads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thread-and-beads/id6761869741)

A cozy puzzle game where you link colorful beads to create satisfying chains and achieve goals. Enjoy a low-stress, gentle strategy experience designed for quick sessions or longer play.

**Highlights:** Link colorful beads, Plan satisfying chains, Complete strategic goals, Earn coins, Low-stress puzzle experience, Zen Mode for calmer play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1,000 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 2,500 Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Banner Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 coins | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Nodes free?

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

### Is Thread and Beads free?

Thread and Beads is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Nodes or Thread and Beads?

Thread and Beads is rated higher. Nodes averages 4.6 out of 5 from 392 ratings, while Thread and Beads averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Nodes or Thread and Beads have ads?

Both Nodes and Thread and Beads show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Nodes or Thread and Beads?

Nodes ships an update every 3 weeks, and Thread and Beads every 3 weeks. Most recently, Nodes was updated on October 15, 2026 and Thread and Beads on October 15, 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.*