# 2048 vs Blackbox

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Blackbox at 93% against 2048's 49%. Blackbox also leads on ads (none vs shown) and rating (4.8 vs 4.4). 2048's advantage is device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 16.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 2048 sells 7 one-off in-app purchases and Blackbox sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Blackbox holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 38K and 109K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 49% of 2048's written reviews are positive against 93% of Blackbox's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | 2048 | Blackbox |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (38K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2048/id840919914/reviews) | **[4.8 (109K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackbox/id962969578/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 38K | **109K** |
| Positive reviews | 48.9% of reviews | **92.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #128 | **#32** |
| Size | 221 MB | 209 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 16.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ketchapp](https://appshunter.io/developer/528065807) | [Shapes and Stories LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/962969577) |

## What reviewers say

### 2048

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/2048/id840919914)

**Currently charting:** #128 Top Free · Board (US App Store)

Merge numbered tiles by swiping to reach the 2048 tile. This fun and relaxing puzzle game challenges you to achieve a high score by strategically combining tiles.

**Highlights:** Swipe to move tiles, Merge tiles with same numbers, Reach 2048 tile, High score challenge, Relaxing puzzle gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Revive 5 Lives | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 lives (special first purchase) | $0.99 | one-time |
| 10 lives | $2.49 | one-time |
| 15lives | $2.99 | one-time |
| 30 Lives | $3.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $7.99 | one-time |
| No-Ads + 25 Lives | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 💡 Challenging and addictive
- 👍 Simple yet engaging concept
- 🕹️ Great time-killer

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Unpredictable tile placement
- 🔋 High battery consumption
- 📢 Intrusive and frequent ads
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Leaderboard and high score tracking issues
- Freezing and crashing during gameplay
- Ads interfering with gameplay and audio

**Requested features**

- Undo/rewind functionality
- Customizable themes and styles
- Multiplayer/competitive modes
- Difficulty levels or progressive challenges


### Blackbox

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blackbox/id962969578)

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Free · Trivia, #77 Top Grossing · Trivia (US App Store)

This puzzle game challenges you to solve intricate problems without touching the screen. It utilizes minimalistic visual cues, sonic interfaces, and haptic feedback to guide you through unique challenges that require thinking outside the box. Discover a new way to interact with your device and prove your cleverness.

**Highlights:** Touchless gameplay, Minimalistic visual clues, Sonic interfaces, Haptic feedback, External puzzle solving, Easter eggs

**Features:** Family Sharing, iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Tiny Hint Pack | $1.19 | one-time |
| Small Hint Pack | $2.39 | one-time |
| Erudite Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Push Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Coffee for Ryan | $4.49 | one-time |
| Basic Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Medium Hint Pack | $5.00 | one-time |
| All Knowing Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Large Hint Pack | $10.00 | one-time |
| Extra Large Hint Pack | $20.00 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Unique and creative gameplay
- 🤔 Challenges users to think outside the box
- 😄 Humorous and witty comments
- 🔑 Utilizes phone features in innovative ways

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Extremely challenging puzzles
- 💰 Expensive for additional content
- 🤖 Concerns about app accessing device permissions
- 🚗 Puzzles requiring travel/location are inaccessible for some

**Reported bugs**

- Hints not working as expected
- Progress reset after app update

**Requested features**

- Add ability to earn hint credits through watching ads
- Include more free puzzles
- Improve accessibility for users with limited mobility
- Provide better guidance and instructions for puzzles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 2048 free?

2048 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Blackbox free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 2048 or Blackbox?

Blackbox is rated higher. 2048 averages 4.4 out of 5 from 38K ratings, while Blackbox averages 4.8 from 109K ratings.

### Do 2048 or Blackbox have ads?

2048 shows ads; Blackbox does not.

### Which is updated more often, 2048 or Blackbox?

2048 ships an update every 9 days, and Blackbox every 9 days. Most recently, 2048 was updated on October 17, 2026 and Blackbox on October 17, 2026.

### Which is more popular, 2048 or Blackbox?

2048 currently peaks at #128 in the App Store charts, and Blackbox at #32. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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