# Pen Run vs Pencil Rush 3D

The clearest difference is rating: Pencil Rush 3D at 4.6 against Pen Run's 4.0. Pencil Rush 3D also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (53% vs 35%). Pen Run's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (8.0 vs 12.5). On price, update cadence and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pen Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pencil Rush 3D asks for nothing beyond the download.

Pencil Rush 3D holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pencil Rush 3D has 44K ratings behind it against 4.6K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 35% of Pen Run's written reviews are positive against 53% of Pencil Rush 3D's.

Pen Run ships an update monthly, Pencil Rush 3D every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pen Run | Pencil Rush 3D |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (4.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pen-run/id1423608757/reviews) | **[4.6 (44K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-rush-3d/id1546059465/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 4.6K | **44K** |
| Positive reviews | 35.4% of reviews | **52.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Monthly** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 128 MB | 235 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 12.5 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Ketchapp](https://appshunter.io/developer/528065807) | [Gismart](https://appshunter.io/developer/666830030) |

## What reviewers say

### Pen Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pen-run/id1423608757)

Race your pen through challenging levels, avoiding obstacles and outmaneuvering opponents. Aim to reach as many levels as possible in this fast-paced competition.

**Highlights:** Race your pen, Avoid obstacles, Hit other players, Progress through levels, Competitive gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 💡 Unique concept and creative design
- 👍 Customizable pens and themes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔥 Excessive number of ads
- 🐛 Glitches and loading issues
- 🔍 Lack of multiplayer or online features

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes during races
- Unresponsive controls
- Freezing on loading screens

**Requested features**

- Add multiplayer mode
- Reduce ad frequency
- Improve overall performance and stability


### Pencil Rush 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-rush-3d/id1546059465)

Embark on a vibrant obstacle course adventure, tracing paths with a colorful pencil. Collect more pencils to expand your color palette while skillfully dodging hazards. Reach the finish line to reveal a stunning, colorful creation.

**Highlights:** Trace and race on obstacle courses, Collect colorful pencils, Dodge obstacles to avoid game over, Create colorful collections, Vibrant 3D graphics

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Satisfying art creation
- 🌈 Colorful and visually appealing
- 🕰️ Calming and relaxing gameplay

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💤 Repetitive painting options
- 📢 Excessive and intrusive advertisements
- 🔁 Lack of new content/levels

**Reported bugs**

- Glitches with special pencils
- Coins/rewards not saving properly
- Crashing or freezing issues

**Requested features**

- More unique painting options
- Ability to create custom artwork
- Reduced advertisements or paid ad-free version


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pen Run free?

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

### Is Pencil Rush 3D free?

Pencil Rush 3D is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Pen Run or Pencil Rush 3D?

Pencil Rush 3D is rated higher. Pen Run averages 4.0 out of 5 from 4.6K ratings, while Pencil Rush 3D averages 4.6 from 44K ratings.

### Do Pen Run or Pencil Rush 3D have ads?

Pencil Rush 3D shows ads; Pen Run does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pen Run or Pencil Rush 3D?

Pen Run ships an update monthly, and Pencil Rush 3D every 5 weeks. Most recently, Pen Run was updated on November 2, 2026 and Pencil Rush 3D on November 8, 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.*