# Pixel Beads vs Catedrop

Pixel Beads and Catedrop both sit at 4.9 stars, but that hides the real split: 59% of Pixel Beads's written reviews are positive against 19% of Catedrop's. Catedrop's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases) and chart position (#51 vs unranked). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pixel Beads sells 12 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and Catedrop sells 8 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 Pixel Beads against 4.8 for Catedrop. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Catedrop has 4.7K ratings behind it against 909, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 59% of Pixel Beads's written reviews are positive against 19% of Catedrop's.

Pixel Beads ships an update every 10 days, Catedrop every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pixel Beads | Catedrop |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (909 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-beads/id6768570813/reviews)** | [4.8 (4.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catedrop-card-puzzle/id6788647921/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 909 | **4.7K** |
| Positive reviews | **59.4% of reviews** | 18.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 10 days | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Best chart rank | — | **#51** |
| Size | 343 MB | 529 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Kiwi Fun HK Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1546853941) | [GOODROID,Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/951688937) |

## What reviewers say

### Pixel Beads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-beads/id6768570813)

Engage in a relaxing color sorting and pixel art creation game. Match 3D beads to their designated color zones to reveal stunning pixel art masterpieces. Enjoy hundreds of unique puzzles with no time pressure and offline play.

**Highlights:** Color sorting and matching gameplay, Hundreds of pixel art puzzle designs, Relaxing casual gameplay, Offline play (no Wi-Fi needed), Regular updates with new themes, Suitable for all ages and skill levels

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Starter Bundle | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Ticket Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Booster Bundle | $4.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 2 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Advanced Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |
| Ad-Free Bundle | $11.99 | one-time |
| Premium Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |
| Super Bundle | $39.99 | one-time |
| Coin Pack 6 | $99.99 | one-time |


### Catedrop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catedrop-card-puzzle/id6788647921)

**Currently charting:** #51 Top Free · Casual, #55 Top Free · Puzzle, #102 Top Free · Games (US App Store)

A relaxing card puzzle game where players collect matching cards into groups to clear the board and reveal hidden cards. Strategic thinking is key to solving each stage and uncovering new possibilities with every move.

**Highlights:** Collect matching cards, Reveal hidden cards, Clear every stage, Plan ahead strategically, Simple controls, Engaging puzzle gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coin_01 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coin_02 | $8.99 | one-time |
| NoAds | $9.99 | one-time |
| NoAds pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Premium Pack | $19.99 | one-time |
| Coin_03 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Coin_04 | $59.99 | one-time |
| Coin_05 | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pixel Beads free?

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

### Is Catedrop free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pixel Beads or Catedrop?

Pixel Beads is rated higher. Pixel Beads averages 4.9 out of 5 from 909 ratings, while Catedrop averages 4.8 from 4.7K ratings.

### Do Pixel Beads or Catedrop have ads?

Both Pixel Beads and Catedrop show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pixel Beads or Catedrop?

Pixel Beads ships an update every 10 days, and Catedrop every 9 days. Most recently, Pixel Beads was updated on October 19, 2026 and Catedrop on October 20, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*