# Alchemy Lab vs Element

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Element at none against Alchemy Lab's 2. Element also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (16.1 vs 26.2). On price, rating, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Alchemy Lab sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Element asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Alchemy Lab against 5.0 for Element. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2 and 1 respectively.

Alchemy Lab ships an update weekly, Element every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alchemy Lab | Element |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alchemy-lab-elements/id6761089448/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-tower/id6782226731/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 70 MB | 48 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.2 | **16.1** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Brandon Blaisdell](https://appshunter.io/developer/1867047483) | [Gaon Ahn](https://appshunter.io/developer/6782226733) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 | $4.99 | one-time |


### Element

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-tower/id6782226731)

Strategically stack elemental blocks to build the tallest tower possible. Master the five elements and their interactions to achieve perfect drops and chain combos. Compete in timed battles and climb the ranks to become an Element Master.

**Highlights:** Five-element strategy, Timing-based stacking, Rhythm bonuses and combos, Rising speed challenges, 20-second Battle Mode, 11 competitive ranks, Global leaderboards

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alchemy Lab free?

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

### Is Element free?

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

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

Alchemy Lab and Element are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 2 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do Alchemy Lab or Element have ads?

Alchemy Lab shows ads; Element does not.

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

Alchemy Lab ships an update weekly, and Element every 6 days. Most recently, Alchemy Lab was updated on October 31, 2026 and Element on November 1, 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.*