# Smash Match vs Populus Run

The clearest difference is update cadence: Smash Match at every 6 days against Populus Run's every 4 weeks. Smash Match also leads on iOS requirement (7.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Smash Match sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Populus Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Smash Match ships an update every 6 days, Populus Run every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Smash Match | Populus Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.7 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id6470197867/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 69.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 151 MB | 523 MB |
| Requires iOS | **7.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Holoboo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1231134354) | [FIFTYTWO](https://appshunter.io/developer/853087985) |

## What reviewers say

### Smash Match

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smash-match/id1231547142)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Smash Match Coins 1000 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Smash Match Coins 3000 | $1.99 | one-time |


### Populus Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id6470197867)

Control a crowd of people in this unique running game. Dodge obstacles, battle quirky bosses, and discover hidden characters. Enjoy the full experience with a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Control a crowd of people, Dodge giant fast food, Slide down pipes, Battle rapper bosses, Hardcore mode, Collect secret characters, Original soundtrack

**Features:** Game Controller support, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Full Game | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Amazing game
- 👍 Great developers
- 👍 Fantastic music
- 👍 Relaxing and fun
- 👍 Colorful and visually appealing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paywall after first few levels
- 🐛 Occasional performance issues
- 🐛 Compatibility problems on some devices

**Reported bugs**

- Freezing on login screen
- Graphical glitches on certain devices
- Saved data not restoring properly

**Requested features**

- Make the full game free to play
- Add more levels and worlds
- Improve level selection UI
- Allow customization of controls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Smash Match free?

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

### Is Populus Run free?

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

### Do Smash Match or Populus Run have ads?

Neither Smash Match nor Populus Run shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Smash Match or Populus Run?

Smash Match ships an update every 6 days, and Populus Run every 4 weeks. Most recently, Smash Match was updated on October 9, 2026 and Populus Run on October 20, 2026.

---

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