# Bugsnax vs Populus Run

The clearest difference is rating: Populus Run at 4.7 against Bugsnax's 4.5. Populus Run also leads on monetization model (free with in-app purchases vs paid). Bugsnax's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 70%) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

Populus Run holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.8K and 1.5K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Bugsnax's written reviews are positive against 70% of Populus Run's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Bugsnax ships an update every 2 weeks, Populus Run every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Bugsnax | Populus Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsnax/id1449161497/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/populus-run/id6470197867/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 1.5K |
| Positive reviews | **80.2% of reviews** | 69.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 2.0 GB | 523 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 9+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Young Horses, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1017367212) | [FIFTYTWO](https://appshunter.io/developer/853087985) |

## What reviewers say

### Bugsnax

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bugsnax/id1449161497)

Embark on an island adventure to capture and feed unique creatures to your companions. Uncover the secrets of Snaktooth Island and the mysterious Bugsnax.

**Highlights:** Capture mysterious creatures, Feed creatures to friends, Explore an island, Solve island mysteries, Discover creature origins

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bugsnax Full Game | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Unique and engaging gameplay
- 👍 Excellent character design and writing
- 🎨 Beautiful and creative visuals
- 🎶 Fantastic soundtrack
- 🤯 Unexpected story twists and turns

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Full game requires purchase after demo
- 🤔 Some areas locked behind paywall in demo
- 🐛 Occasional glitches and crashes reported

**Reported bugs**

- Glitches with grappling hook and fire
- Difficulty accessing certain areas in demo
- Crashes and performance issues on older devices

**Requested features**

- More Bugsnax varieties and new islands
- Ability to tame and utilize Bugsnax abilities
- Sequel or DLC to continue the story
- Free or lower-priced full game option


### 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 Bugsnax free?

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

### Is Populus Run free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Bugsnax or Populus Run?

Populus Run is rated higher. Bugsnax averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Populus Run averages 4.7 from 1.5K ratings.

### Do Bugsnax or Populus Run have ads?

Neither Bugsnax nor Populus Run shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Bugsnax or Populus Run?

Bugsnax ships an update every 2 weeks, and Populus Run every 4 weeks. Most recently, Bugsnax was updated on September 25, 2026 and Populus Run on September 25, 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.*