# POOLS™ vs Preserve

The clearest difference is review sentiment: POOLS™ at 80% against Preserve's 10%. POOLS™ also leads on price (Free vs $7.99) and rating (4.5 vs 3.8). Preserve's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 5 days vs monthly). On ads there is nothing between them.

POOLS™ is free to download; Preserve costs $7.99 up front. POOLS™ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Preserve asks for nothing beyond the download.

POOLS™ holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: POOLS™ has 1.7K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of POOLS™'s written reviews are positive against 10% of Preserve's.

POOLS™ ships an update monthly, Preserve every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | POOLS™ | Preserve |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $7.99 |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pools/id6670792878/reviews)** | [3.8 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/preserve-complete-edition/id6775430354/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **79.5% of reviews** | 9.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#43** |
| Size | 1.9 GB | 714 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tensori](https://appshunter.io/developer/1767614989) | [Plug In Digital](https://appshunter.io/developer/608306412) |

## What reviewers say

### POOLS™

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pools/id6670792878)

This app offers a slow, reflective, and immersive experience focused on exploration and atmosphere. It evokes feelings of unease and curiosity through its unique environments, inspired by liminal spaces and internet phenomena. Discover changing worlds and subtle narratives without traditional gameplay mechanics.

**Highlights:** Slow, reflective exploration, Atmospheric and immersive environments, Inspired by liminal spaces, Unfolding narrative through exploration, Six distinct chapters, Unique sound design

**Features:** Game Controller support, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| POOLS: Full Game | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Immersive experience
- 🔒 No ads
- 👍 Incredible attention to detail
- 👍 Realistic graphics and sound
- 👍 Eerie and creepy atmosphere

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Boring after a while
- 🐛 Lack of variety in environments

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to move on iPad Pro
- Glitches reported

**Requested features**

- Expand to different Backrooms-inspired themes
- Add a multiplayer mode
- Introduce more interactive elements (e.g., monsters, items to discover)


### Preserve

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/preserve-complete-edition/id6775430354)

**Currently charting:** #43 Top Paid · Board, #89 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

A peaceful puzzle game where you build vibrant ecosystems by strategically placing flora and fauna cards. Explore multiple game modes, unlock natural wonders, and enjoy a serene soundtrack and charming visuals in this offline digital escape.

**Highlights:** Build living biomes, Match flora and fauna synergies, Multiple gameplay modes, Unlock natural wonders, Soothing visuals, Relaxing soundtrack

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is POOLS™ free?

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

### Is Preserve free?

Preserve costs $7.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, POOLS™ or Preserve?

POOLS™ is rated higher. POOLS™ averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.7K ratings, while Preserve averages 3.8 from 4 ratings.

### Do POOLS™ or Preserve have ads?

Neither POOLS™ nor Preserve shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, POOLS™ or Preserve?

POOLS™ ships an update monthly, and Preserve every 5 days. Most recently, POOLS™ was updated on October 24, 2026 and Preserve on October 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.*