# POOLS™ vs HYDRA

The clearest difference is price: POOLS™ at Free against HYDRA's $0.29. POOLS™ also leads on device support (4 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). HYDRA'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; HYDRA costs $0.29 up front. POOLS™ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. HYDRA asks for nothing beyond the download.

POOLS™ ships an update monthly, HYDRA every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | POOLS™ | HYDRA |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.29 |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pools/id6670792878/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.7K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 79.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 1.9 GB | 36 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Tensori](https://appshunter.io/developer/1767614989) | [Sunspear Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1478643604) |

## 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)


### HYDRA

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hydra-4/id6801179923)

**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 HYDRA free?

HYDRA costs $0.29, with no in-app purchases.

### Do POOLS™ or HYDRA have ads?

Neither POOLS™ nor HYDRA shows ads.

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

POOLS™ ships an update monthly, and HYDRA every 5 days. Most recently, POOLS™ was updated on October 25, 2026 and HYDRA on October 11, 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.*