# Textastic Code Editor vs HTML Runner

The clearest difference is monetization model: HTML Runner at free with in-app purchases against Textastic Code Editor's subscription. HTML Runner also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 69%). Textastic Code Editor's advantage is ratings volume (2.5K vs 5) and chart position (#17 vs #103). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Textastic Code Editor sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and HTML Runner sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Textastic Code Editor against 4.8 for HTML Runner. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Textastic Code Editor has 2.5K ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 69% of Textastic Code Editor's written reviews are positive against 100% of HTML Runner's.

Textastic Code Editor ships an update every 2 weeks, HTML Runner fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Textastic Code Editor | HTML Runner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (2.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textastic-code-editor/id1049254261/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/html-runner-live-preview/id6773258336/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.5K** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 68.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Subscription | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#17** | #103 |
| Size | 26 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Alexander Blach](https://appshunter.io/developer/303486870) | [家贺 万](https://appshunter.io/developer/1820076368) |

## What reviewers say

### Textastic Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/textastic-code-editor/id1049254261)

**Currently charting:** #17 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #43 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

A powerful text and code editor for mobile devices, offering syntax highlighting for over 80 languages, code completion, and formatting tools. It allows connection to various servers and cloud storage for seamless file management and editing.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 80+ languages, SFTP, FTP, WebDAV, and Dropbox client, Built-in SSH terminal, Code completion and formatting, External keyboard and trackpad support, Split View and Slide Over multitasking

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Textastic Pro (Monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Textastic Pro (Yearly) | $19.99 | per year |
| Textastic Pro (One-Time) | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Highly performant
- 👍 Versatile and feature-rich
- 💡 Excellent integration with other apps (e.g. Working Copy)
- 👍 Customizable and intuitive UI
- 👍 Reliable and stable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🔒 Restrictive paywall for basic functionality
- 👎 Confusing file management and upload/download workflow
- 👎 Lack of modern code editing features (e.g. auto-indent, code folding)

**Reported bugs**

- Issues with SSH/SFTP connectivity and authentication
- Problems with handling large files or files with certain extensions
- Inconsistent text selection and editing behavior

**Requested features**

- Add support for more cloud storage providers (e.g. Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Implement a more seamless remote file editing and syncing workflow
- Improve code editing features like code folding, multi-cursor support, and code beautification
- Add a built-in terminal or ability to run code directly within the app


### HTML Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/html-runner-live-preview/id6773258336)

**Currently charting:** #103 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #173 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Instantly edit and run HTML, CSS, and JavaScript projects directly on your mobile device. Generate code with AI tools, paste it in, and preview your webpages in real-time without needing a desktop or server setup. Ideal for testing, demos, and learning web development.

**Highlights:** Live HTML Preview, Project Workspace, HTML, CSS & JavaScript Support, Code Formatting, Import Local Files, Offline Ready, AI Code Integration

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $0.99 | per month |
| Premium Yearly | $3.99 | per year |
| Premium Lifetime | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Textastic Code Editor free?

Textastic Code Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is HTML Runner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Textastic Code Editor or HTML Runner?

HTML Runner is rated higher. Textastic Code Editor averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2.5K ratings, while HTML Runner averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do Textastic Code Editor or HTML Runner have ads?

Neither Textastic Code Editor nor HTML Runner shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Textastic Code Editor or HTML Runner?

Textastic Code Editor ships an update every 2 weeks, and HTML Runner fortnightly. Most recently, Textastic Code Editor was updated on September 23, 2026 and HTML Runner on September 18, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Textastic Code Editor or HTML Runner?

Textastic Code Editor currently peaks at #17 in the App Store charts, and HTML Runner at #103. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*