# Shells vs square

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: square at none against Shells's 4. square also leads on ratings volume (283 vs 22). Shells's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and review sentiment (100% vs 79%). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shells sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. square asks for nothing beyond the download.

Shells holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: square has 283 ratings behind it against 22, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 100% of Shells's written reviews are positive against 79% of square's.

Shells ships an update weekly, square every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 11, 2026 and September 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shells | square |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shells-nested-block-puzzle/id6661020395/reviews)** | [4.7 (283 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/square-the-game/id6742043172/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 22 | **283** |
| Positive reviews | **100.0% of reviews** | 78.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 102 MB | 152 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [arlybird games LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1764665157) | [Raul Davrishev](https://appshunter.io/developer/1731060019) |

## What reviewers say

### Shells

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shells-nested-block-puzzle/id6661020395)

A geometry puzzle game where you slide blocks into larger shells to rearrange the board and solve challenges. It offers over 360 levels across 8 worlds with a focus on spatial reasoning and problem-solving. Enjoy a relaxing experience with a soothing soundtrack.

**Highlights:** Nested block sliding mechanics, Over 360 original levels, 8 distinct game worlds, Optional hint system, Soothing piano soundtrack, Compact 4x4 grid gameplay

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Bundle | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Bundle | $1.99 | one-time |
| Large Bundle | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Bundle | $8.99 | one-time |


### square

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/square-the-game/id6742043172)

Engage your mind in a unique puzzle game where the objective is to form perfect squares. Explore increasingly complex challenges that test your logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Immerse yourself in vibrant visuals and a relaxing soundtrack as you boost your brainpower.

**Highlights:** Unique square-themed puzzles, Challenging gameplay mechanics, Vibrant geometric visuals, Relaxing brain-boosting soundtrack, Adaptive difficulty levels, Progressive learning experience

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 💡 Unique puzzle mechanics
- ✨ Simple and clean graphics
- 😌 Minimal ads (mostly)
- 🧠 Good for the brain

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📉 Too short, not enough levels
- 🤔 Confusing directions/goals
- 😩 Ads can be deceptive/coercive
- ⏳ Hints don't always work
- 🤯 Some levels are too easy

**Reported bugs**

- Level 30 has a glitch, nothing moves
- Stuck on level 30, can't move or change anything
- Bug on level 27 makes it impossible to 100%
- Ad for Royal Match doesn't stop and prevents gameplay

**Requested features**

- Add more levels
- More challenging puzzles
- Add an expansion or more content
- Provide clearer directions/tutorials
- Implement a way to replay levels with different solutions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shells free?

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

### Is square free?

square is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Shells or square?

Shells is rated higher. Shells averages 5.0 out of 5 from 22 ratings, while square averages 4.7 from 283 ratings.

### Do Shells or square have ads?

Both Shells and square show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shells or square?

Shells ships an update weekly, and square every 5 days. Most recently, Shells was updated on September 11, 2026 and square on September 24, 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.*