# Simple Machines by Tinybop vs Labo Shape

The clearest difference is rating: Labo Shape at 4.8 against Simple Machines by Tinybop's 3.7. Labo Shape also leads on price ($1.99 vs $2.99) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.0). Simple Machines by Tinybop's advantage is ratings volume (62 vs 12). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Simple Machines by Tinybop costs $2.99 and Labo Shape $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Labo Shape holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Machines by Tinybop has 62 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Simple Machines by Tinybop ships an update every 4 months, Labo Shape every 5 months. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Machines by Tinybop | Labo Shape |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [3.7 (62 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-machines-by-tinybop/id936966570/reviews) | **[4.8 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labo-shapekids-game/id1003666247/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **62** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 37.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 months** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Size | 112 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | **8.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tinybop Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/682046582) | [Labo Lado Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/475943829) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Machines by Tinybop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-machines-by-tinybop/id936966570)

Explore the playful side of physics and learn about simple machines through interactive experiments. Kids can discover how levers, pulleys, and other mechanisms work by building and testing them in a digital sandbox environment. This app is designed to spark curiosity and understanding of scientific principles.

**Highlights:** Explore 6 simple machines, Experiment with real-world physics, Investigate physics at work, Learn about force and motion, Kid-friendly design, Interactive labels in 40+ languages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful graphics and design
- 🧠 Educational and informative
- 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good for kids and learning
- 💡 Sparks curiosity and imagination
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😴 Boring and repetitive
- 💸 Expensive for limited content
- 🤷‍♂️ Lacks clear goals or objectives
- 🤏 Limited interaction and content
- 🚫 Not a game, more of a toy

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes immediately on launch
- Cannot install after purchase
- App crashes after loading screen
- No sound
- Does not work

**Requested features**

- Add a creative building mode
- More levels and modules
- Sandbox mode
- Ability to build own machines
- More interactive elements


### Labo Shape

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/labo-shapekids-game/id1003666247)

This app helps young children learn and trace 2D shapes, transforming them into interactive objects like flowers, fish, and cars. Kids can then color and play with these creations, engaging in various creative activities.

**Highlights:** Trace 2D shape templates, Shapes transform into objects, Color and play with creations, Six creative play activities, Learn shape recognition, Pre-writing skill development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Machines by Tinybop free?

Simple Machines by Tinybop costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Labo Shape free?

Labo Shape costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Simple Machines by Tinybop or Labo Shape?

Labo Shape is rated higher. Simple Machines by Tinybop averages 3.7 out of 5 from 62 ratings, while Labo Shape averages 4.8 from 12 ratings.

### Do Simple Machines by Tinybop or Labo Shape have ads?

Neither Simple Machines by Tinybop nor Labo Shape shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Machines by Tinybop or Labo Shape?

Simple Machines by Tinybop ships an update every 4 months, and Labo Shape every 5 months. Most recently, Simple Machines by Tinybop was updated on November 6, 2026 and Labo Shape 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.*