# Shellkeep vs Gridlock

The clearest difference is ads: Shellkeep at none against Gridlock's shown. Shellkeep also leads on ratings volume (31 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). Gridlock's advantage is update cadence (daily vs weekly) and review sentiment (100% vs 90%). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shellkeep sells 4 one-off in-app purchases and Gridlock sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Shellkeep against 5.0 for Gridlock. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shellkeep has 31 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 90% of Shellkeep's written reviews are positive against 100% of Gridlock's.

Shellkeep ships an update weekly, Gridlock daily. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shellkeep | Gridlock |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellkeep-card-collector/id6757331713/reviews) | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridlock-idle-traffic-tycoon/id6817048484/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **31** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 90.0% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 58 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hamlab AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526276751) | [BRAXTON REED CHANDLER](https://appshunter.io/developer/6792414504) |

## What reviewers say

### Shellkeep

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellkeep-card-collector/id6757331713)

Collect, merge, and battle unique cards with thousands of possibilities. Hunt for ultra-rare holographic Shinies and compete with other players in live auctions and club bounties. Build your ultimate collection and test your luck.

**Highlights:** Generate and collect thousands of cards, Hunt for ultra-rare holographic Shinies, Bid, deal, and sell cards, Join clubs to team up with collectors, Compete in live auctions and daily deals, No advertisements

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Quick Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| Small Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| Big Gems | $6.99 | one-time |
| Mega Gems | $14.99 | one-time |


### Gridlock

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridlock-idle-traffic-tycoon/id6817048484)

Cause traffic jams in this idle tycoon game. Tap to honk, hire chaotic drivers, and watch the streets fill up. Your city's congestion grows even when you're offline.

**Highlights:** Idle traffic simulation, Tap to honk gameplay, Hire unique drivers, Offline progress, Daily challenges, Unlockable vehicles

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Traffic Crate | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Motorcycle Wheelie | $1.99 | one-time |
| School Bus | $1.99 | one-time |
| Monster Truck | $2.99 | one-time |
| Ambulance | $2.99 | one-time |
| Mega Traffic Crate | $2.99 | one-time |
| VIP: No Ads | $3.99 | one-time |
| Vehicle Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Traffic Truckload | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shellkeep free?

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

### Is Gridlock free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shellkeep or Gridlock?

Gridlock is rated higher. Shellkeep averages 4.9 out of 5 from 31 ratings, while Gridlock averages 5.0 from 2 ratings.

### Do Shellkeep or Gridlock have ads?

Gridlock shows ads; Shellkeep does not.

### Which is updated more often, Shellkeep or Gridlock?

Shellkeep ships an update weekly, and Gridlock daily. Most recently, Shellkeep was updated on October 24, 2026 and Gridlock on October 19, 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.*