# Hotpot Chop vs Sand Explorer

The clearest difference is ads: Sand Explorer at none against Hotpot Chop's shown. Sand Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 weeks). Hotpot Chop's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hotpot Chop sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Sand Explorer sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hotpot Chop ships an update every 2 weeks, Sand Explorer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hotpot Chop | Sand Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.9 (107 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-explorer/id6798584208/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **107** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 234 MB | 191 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Elif Arzu Dedekarginoglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1485093691) | [TDD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1782486810) |

## What reviewers say

### Hotpot Chop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hotpot-chop/id6761862536)

Slice, sort, and cook your way through a vibrant kitchen in this satisfying food puzzle game. Tap ingredients to chop them, sending slices into matching hot pots. Master strategic puzzles with no timers for a relaxing brain break.

**Highlights:** Satisfying ingredient slicing, Color-matching hot pot filling, Relaxing, no-timer gameplay, One-tap controls, Strategic puzzle challenges, Variety of fresh ingredients

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coin Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 2 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 3 | $14.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 4 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 5 | $54.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 6 | $99.99 | one-time |


### Sand Explorer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-explorer/id6798584208)

Engage in a satisfying puzzle game where you match colors to clear sand art. Plan your moves carefully to avoid crowding your queue and complete intricate pixel-style artworks. Enjoy a relaxing yet challenging experience with smooth sand-flow effects.

**Highlights:** Color matching gameplay, Satisfying sand-flow effects, Limited queue planning, Pixel-style sand art, Relaxing rhythm, Thoughtful challenge

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Welcome Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |
| Explorer’s Treasure | $3.99 | one-time |
| Medium Bundle | $5.99 | one-time |
| No AD | $6.99 | one-time |
| No AD Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |
| 25000 Gold | $29.99 | one-time |
| 50000 Gold | $54.99 | one-time |
| 100000 Gold | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hotpot Chop free?

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

### Is Sand Explorer free?

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

### Do Hotpot Chop or Sand Explorer have ads?

Hotpot Chop shows ads; Sand Explorer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Hotpot Chop or Sand Explorer?

Hotpot Chop ships an update every 2 weeks, and Sand Explorer every 5 days. Most recently, Hotpot Chop was updated on October 31, 2026 and Sand Explorer on November 6, 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.*