# Sand Sort vs Sand Explorer

The clearest difference is ads: Sand Explorer at none against Sand Sort's shown. Sand Explorer also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks) and rating (4.9 vs 4.6). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sand Sort sells 10 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.

Sand Explorer holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 101 and 179 respectively.

Sand Sort ships an update every 6 weeks, Sand Explorer every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sand Sort | Sand Explorer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (101 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-sort-jam-loop/id6779100579/reviews) | **[4.9 (179 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-explorer/id6798584208/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 101 | **179** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 556 MB | 192 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [AIM TOP GAME TECHNOLOGY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1875853799) | [TDD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1782486810) |

## What reviewers say

### Sand Sort

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sand-sort-jam-loop/id6779100579)

Engage in a unique puzzle game where you control the timing and guide containers to sort colored sand flowing on a loop. Master strategic timing and quick thinking to perfectly match colors and overcome increasing challenges.

**Highlights:** Unique loop-based sand sorting gameplay, Hundreds of handcrafted levels, Gradually increasing difficulty, Realistic sand physics, Calming color flow and visual effects, Easy controls with strategic depth

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starter Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gold 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gold 2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Limited Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Remove ADS | $5.99 | one-time |
| Big Bundle | $6.99 | one-time |
| Goods Pass | $9.99 | one-time |
| Great Bundle | $12.99 | one-time |
| Gold 4 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Ultra Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |


### Sand Explorer

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

Engage in a puzzle game where you match colors to clear sand art. Strategically choose buckets and manage limited belt space to complete intricate pixel-style artworks. Enjoy a relaxing yet challenging experience with satisfying sand-flow effects.

**Highlights:** Color matching gameplay, Strategic bucket selection, Limited queue management, Satisfying sand-flow effects, Pixel-style sand art, Relaxing rhythm

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Welcome Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |
| Revive Bundle | $2.99 | one-time |
| Explorer’s Treasure | $3.99 | one-time |
| No AD | $6.99 | one-time |
| Expert Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| No AD Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Master Bundle | $19.99 | one-time |
| Mega Bundle | $49.99 | one-time |
| Legendary Bundle02 | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sand Sort free?

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

### Is Sand Explorer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Sand Sort or Sand Explorer?

Sand Explorer is rated higher. Sand Sort averages 4.6 out of 5 from 101 ratings, while Sand Explorer averages 4.9 from 179 ratings.

### Do Sand Sort or Sand Explorer have ads?

Sand Sort shows ads; Sand Explorer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sand Sort or Sand Explorer?

Sand Sort ships an update every 6 weeks, and Sand Explorer every 5 days. Most recently, Sand Sort was updated on November 12, 2026 and Sand Explorer on November 11, 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.*