# Pixel Pilot 3D vs Populus Run

The clearest difference is rating: Populus Run at 4.7 against Pixel Pilot 3D's 4.0. Populus Run also leads on ratings volume (1.5K vs 1). Pixel Pilot 3D's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 4 weeks). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Populus Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Pixel Pilot 3D asks for nothing beyond the download.

Populus Run holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Populus Run has 1.5K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Pixel Pilot 3D ships an update every 3 days, Populus Run every 4 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pixel Pilot 3D | Populus Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-pilot-3d/id1441917420/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id6470197867/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **1.5K** |
| Positive reviews | — | 69.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 523 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Salenius Code AB](https://appshunter.io/developer/369955771) | [FIFTYTWO](https://appshunter.io/developer/853087985) |

## What reviewers say

### Pixel Pilot 3D

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-pilot-3d/id1441917420)

Pilot a spacecraft, tilt to steer, and blast monsters and ghosts. Collect coins to earn points and progress through levels in this action-packed arcade shooter. More content is planned for future updates.

**Highlights:** Spacecraft piloting, Monster destruction, Tilt controls, Coin collection, Ghost enemies, Multiple levels

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 Pixel Pilot 3D free?

Pixel Pilot 3D is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Populus Run free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pixel Pilot 3D or Populus Run?

Populus Run is rated higher. Pixel Pilot 3D averages 4.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Populus Run averages 4.7 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Pixel Pilot 3D or Populus Run have ads?

Neither Pixel Pilot 3D nor Populus Run shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pixel Pilot 3D or Populus Run?

Pixel Pilot 3D ships an update every 3 days, and Populus Run every 4 weeks. Most recently, Pixel Pilot 3D was updated on September 29, 2026 and Populus Run on October 14, 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.*