# Alchemy Merge vs Alchemy Lab

The clearest difference is rating: Alchemy Lab at 5.0 against Alchemy Merge's 4.0. Alchemy Lab also leads on monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). Alchemy Merge's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.2). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Alchemy Merge sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Alchemy Lab sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Alchemy Lab holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively.

Alchemy Merge ships an update every 5 days, Alchemy Lab weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alchemy Merge | Alchemy Lab |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-merge-element-craft/id6760889871/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-lab-elements/id6761089448/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 204 MB | 70 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 26.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anton Dziahel](https://appshunter.io/developer/1315302483) | [Brandon Blaisdell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867047483) |

## What reviewers say

### Alchemy Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-merge-element-craft/id6760889871)

Explore the world of alchemy by combining basic elements to discover hundreds of new items. Experiment with different combinations to unlock discoveries and challenge your thinking. Play at your own pace and uncover endless possibilities.

**Highlights:** Combine elements to discover new ones, Hundreds of unique items, Easy to learn, fun to master, Play at your own pace, Experiment and unlock discoveries

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Hint | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 Hints | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30 Hints | $5.99 | one-time |
| 60 Hints | $8.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |


### Alchemy Lab

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-lab-elements/id6761089448)

Combine elements like fire and water to discover new ones in this relaxing puzzle game. Experiment with over 60 elements and 100 recipes in a pressure-free environment. Unlock a hidden workshop and track your progress in a cozy creative space.

**Highlights:** Combine elements to discover new ones, Over 60 elements to uncover, 100+ recipes with multiple paths, Unlockable hidden workshop, Tinkerer's Journal for progress tracking, Ambient sound and gentle haptics

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Extra Workshop Slot | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alchemy Merge free?

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

### Is Alchemy Lab free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Alchemy Merge or Alchemy Lab?

Alchemy Lab is rated higher. Alchemy Merge averages 4.0 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Alchemy Lab averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Alchemy Merge or Alchemy Lab have ads?

Both Alchemy Merge and Alchemy Lab show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Alchemy Merge or Alchemy Lab?

Alchemy Merge ships an update every 5 days, and Alchemy Lab weekly. Most recently, Alchemy Merge was updated on September 21, 2026 and Alchemy Lab on September 8, 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.*
