Comparison

PairLock vs Cactus Match

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PairLock

This memory game challenges you to match pairs of cards and connect them with lines that cannot cross. It offers multiple game modes, including classic levels, daily challenges, and speed-based play. Exercise your memory, spatial reasoning, and planning skills with this engaging puzzle experience.

Highlights
  • Match pairs with non-crossing lines
  • Hundreds of classic levels
  • Daily challenges and speed modes
  • Offline play
  • Multiple symbol and card back styles
  • Colorblind-friendly mode
  • Achievements and stats tracking
Features
Read full description

PairLock is the memory match game with a twist you've never seen before. Flip cards, find matching pairs, and connect them with a line. But here's the catch: your lines can never cross. It's the memory game you know, with a puzzle layer you don't. HOW TO PLAY Tap cards to flip them. Find two matching symbols and they stay face up, connected by a colored line. But every line you draw creates a web. Match too quickly without thinking and you'll box yourself in. Plan your pairs carefully to avoid crossed lines and earn a perfect score. GAME MODES - Classic: Progress through hundreds of levels across Beginner, Intermediate, Expert, and Master difficulty. Earn up to 3 stars on every board. - Daily Challenge: A unique puzzle every day. Race the clock and share your result with friends. - Sprint: How many boards can you clear in 2 minutes? Push your speed and memory to the limit. - Challenge a Friend: Send a custom puzzle link and see who solves it in fewer flips. FEATURES - 100% offline, no wifi needed - Multiple symbol sets: Geometric, Nature, Abstract - Card back styles: Classic, Minimal, Dots, Waves - Colorblind-friendly mode with distinct line patterns - Achievements for streaks, perfect solves, and milestones - Stats tracking: flips, streaks, completion rate - Haptic feedback and satisfying sound design - Dark mode support - Works on phones and tablets BRAIN TRAINING THAT FEELS LIKE A GAME PairLock exercises your memory, spatial reasoning, and planning skills all at once. Every board is a mini puzzle that rewards both recall and strategy. Perfect for a quick mental break or a long puzzle session. Great for: - Commute puzzles - Mindful breaks between tasks - Bedtime wind-down - Competing with friends - Brain exercise for all ages PAIRLOCK PRO Upgrade to PairLock Pro for a one-time purchase that removes all ads forever and unlocks all symbol sets and card backs. No subscriptions, no recurring charges. Download PairLock and put your memory to the test. MORE PUZZLE GAMES FROM MAROON LABS - VoidKnot: Untangle crossing lines - BlockSlip: Slide blocks to escape Built with care by Maroon Labs in Minnesota, USA. Questions? support@maroonlabs.co Privacy: maroonlabs.co/privacy

About

Cactus Match

Features
Read full description

Cactus Match is a light, fun memory game full of personality. Find the matching pairs, test your memory, and discover different cacti while playing at your own pace. NORMAL MODE Relax while matching pairs of cacti and try to complete each game with your best performance. SURVIVAL MODE Looking for more of a challenge? In Survival mode, every second counts. Find the pairs before time runs out and see how far you can go. COLLECT CACTI Discover different characters, explore new themed packs, and build a collection of your favorites. Highlights: • Normal and Survival modes • Different cacti to collect • Themed packs • Performance statistics • New visual themes • Completely redesigned interface • Simple, casual, and fun gameplay Memorize. Match. Collect.

Screenshots

PairLock4 screens
Cactus Match3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Cactus Match at none against PairLock's shown. PairLock's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PairLock sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Cactus Match sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

PairLock ships an update every 3 days, Cactus Match weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 5, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PairLock versus Cactus Match: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPairLockCactus Match
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (2 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings2 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterWeekly
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size50 MB230 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMAROON LABS LLCYuri Zanatta

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PairLock

One-time1
  • PairLock Pro$4.99
7 purchases

Cactus Match

One-time7
  • Japan Pack$0.99
  • Futuristic Pack$0.99
  • Wild West Pack$0.99
Show 4 more
  • Medieval Pack$0.99
  • Viking Pack$1.99
  • Remove Ads$3.99
  • Full Access$59.99

Questions

Is PairLock free?
PairLock is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cactus Match free?
Cactus Match is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do PairLock or Cactus Match have ads?
PairLock shows ads; Cactus Match does not.
Which is updated more often, PairLock or Cactus Match?
PairLock ships an update every 3 days, and Cactus Match weekly. Most recently, PairLock was updated on October 5, 2026 and Cactus Match on October 9, 2026.

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