# Join the Dots vs Splashy Dots

The clearest difference is rating: Join the Dots at 4.7 against Splashy Dots's 4.1. Join the Dots also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Splashy Dots's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 13 months) and iOS requirement (9.0 vs 11.0). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Join the Dots sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Splashy Dots sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Join the Dots holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 135 and 200 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 40% of Join the Dots's written reviews are positive against 35% of Splashy Dots's.

Join the Dots ships an update every 13 months, Splashy Dots every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Join the Dots | Splashy Dots |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (135 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join-the-dots-dinosaurs/id970454870/reviews)** | [4.1 (200 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashy-dots/id1230045214/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 135 | **200** |
| Positive reviews | **40.0% of reviews** | 34.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 177 MB |
| Requires iOS | 11.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kedronic UAB](https://appshunter.io/developer/524949406) | [Crimson Pine Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/979888652) |

## What reviewers say

### Join the Dots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/join-the-dots-dinosaurs/id970454870)

This educational game helps preschoolers develop thinking, memory, and attention by connecting numbered or lettered dots to reveal hidden dinosaur pictures. Once revealed, children can color the images with a customizable palette. It offers three engaging game modes for early learning.

**Highlights:** Connect points by numbers or letters, Reveal hidden dinosaur pictures, Color revealed images, Customizable color palette, Three learning modes: numbers, letters, coloring, Hints for incorrect choices

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock all pages | $2.99 | one-time |


### Splashy Dots

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashy-dots/id1230045214)

This app offers a unique puzzle experience with strategic dot-connecting gameplay. Enjoy thousands of brain-teasing levels with a distinctive art style and relaxing jazz music. Designed for Apple devices, it features haptic feedback and iCloud syncing.

**Highlights:** Unique dot-connecting mechanics, Thousands of brain-teasing puzzles, Splashy and juicy graphics, Relaxing chillout jazz music, Haptic feedback and force touch support, iCloud progress syncing, Full undo support

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Hint Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Small Brush Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Medium Hint Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| One Free Hint In Each Level | $2.99 | one-time |
| Large Hint Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Coral Reef Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Sweets Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Huge Hint Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hues Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Hints | $19.99 | one-time |
| Unlimited Brushes | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Beautiful design and visuals
- 🎶 Relaxing background music
- 🧠 Challenging yet satisfying puzzles
- 👍 Addictive and enjoyable gameplay
- 💡 Unique concept and mechanics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Excessive and intrusive advertisements
- 🔁 Repetitive and unvaried puzzle designs
- 🕰️ Slow progression and pacing
- 🔒 Lack of customization or control over ads

**Reported bugs**

- App opening App Store unexpectedly
- Volume issues and audio problems
- Inconsistent gameplay and level completion tracking

**Requested features**

- More level variety and difficulty progression
- Option to purchase ad-free version
- Custom level creation and sharing
- Improved background music and sound effects


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Join the Dots free?

Join the Dots is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Splashy Dots free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Join the Dots or Splashy Dots?

Join the Dots is rated higher. Join the Dots averages 4.7 out of 5 from 135 ratings, while Splashy Dots averages 4.1 from 200 ratings.

### Do Join the Dots or Splashy Dots have ads?

Neither Join the Dots nor Splashy Dots shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Join the Dots or Splashy Dots?

Join the Dots ships an update every 13 months, and Splashy Dots every 3 weeks. Most recently, Join the Dots was updated on October 24, 2026 and Splashy Dots on October 29, 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.*