# Earth Sandbox vs Aphelion

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Aphelion at 100% against Earth Sandbox's 50%. Aphelion also leads on rating (5.0 vs 2.2) and update cadence (every 2 days vs weekly). Earth Sandbox's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aphelion sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Earth Sandbox asks for nothing beyond the download.

Aphelion holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 2.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 21 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Earth Sandbox's written reviews are positive against 100% of Aphelion's.

Earth Sandbox ships an update weekly, Aphelion every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Earth Sandbox | Aphelion |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.2 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earth-sandbox/id6756494237/reviews) | **[5.0 (21 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aphelion-gravity-puzzles/id6783244546/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **21** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 389 MB | 29 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **16.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Heechang Kim](https://appshunter.io/developer/485685857) | [JIUSONG GAO](https://appshunter.io/developer/6783244548) |

## What reviewers say

### Earth Sandbox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/earth-sandbox/id6756494237)

Explore the dynamic evolution of a planet by altering its core systems like climate and gravity. Trigger natural events and observe real-time population and ecosystem trends. This experimental simulation game offers unique outcomes with every interaction.

**Highlights:** Earth-focused environmental simulation, Interconnected climate and planetary systems, Dynamic natural events, Real-time population and ecosystem trends, Interactive experimentation tools, Clean visuals and intuitive controls

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Aphelion

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aphelion-gravity-puzzles/id6783244546)

Guide a comet through celestial bodies and obstacles using precise flicks. Solve physics-based puzzles across five distinct chapters with over 50 handcrafted levels. Experience a minimalist, timer-free approach to space exploration.

**Highlights:** Flick-based aiming and trajectory control, Gravity-driven orbital mechanics, 50 handcrafted levels across 5 chapters, Minimalist, timer-free gameplay, Steer comets and capture celestial bodies

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Hints | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Earth Sandbox free?

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

### Is Aphelion free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Earth Sandbox or Aphelion?

Aphelion is rated higher. Earth Sandbox averages 2.2 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Aphelion averages 5.0 from 21 ratings.

### Do Earth Sandbox or Aphelion have ads?

Both Earth Sandbox and Aphelion show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Earth Sandbox or Aphelion?

Earth Sandbox ships an update weekly, and Aphelion every 2 days. Most recently, Earth Sandbox was updated on November 13, 2026 and Aphelion on November 10, 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.*