# Runestone Text Editor vs Code Editor

The clearest difference is rating: Runestone Text Editor at 4.7 against Code Editor's 3.2. Runestone Text Editor also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (76% vs 54%). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Runestone Text Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Code Editor sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Runestone Text Editor holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Runestone Text Editor has 2K ratings behind it against 43, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Runestone Text Editor's written reviews are positive against 54% of Code Editor's.

Runestone Text Editor ships an update every 2 weeks, Code Editor every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Runestone Text Editor | Code Editor |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runestone-text-editor/id1548193893/reviews)** | [3.2 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2K** | 43 |
| Positive reviews | **76.1% of reviews** | 53.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#41** | #80 |
| Size | 64 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Vision Pro** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Simon B. Støvring](https://appshunter.io/developer/423532907) | [Rhythm Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/1581290512) |

## What reviewers say

### Runestone Text Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runestone-text-editor/id1548193893)

**Currently charting:** #41 Top Free · Developer Tools, #42 Top Grossing · Developer Tools (US App Store)

A powerful plain text and code editor for iPhone and iPad. Offers syntax highlighting, line numbers, find and replace, and extensive customization options for developers and writers.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for many languages, Customizable themes and fonts, Advanced find and replace, Line numbers and cursor location, Code formatting with Prettier.js, Multiple windows on iPad

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💎 Excellent text editor
- 🚀 Smooth and responsive
- 🎨 Customizable themes and appearance
- 🔒 Secure file storage and sync
- 👍 Clean and intuitive interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or bugs
- 🔍 Difficulty navigating files/folders
- 📝 Limited functionality without premium
- 🔌 Performance issues on older devices
- 🔒 Difficulty accessing files in cloud storage

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearing files
- Difficulty pasting text
- Scroll position not saved
- Hangs on startup
- Trouble opening large files

**Requested features**

- Markdown preview
- Code folding
- Syntax highlighting for more languages
- Ability to run/execute code
- Multiple file/window support


### Code Editor

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/code-editor-compiler-and-ide/id1581290510)

**Currently charting:** #80 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app is a powerful mobile code editor and compiler designed for programmers. It offers syntax highlighting for numerous languages, code assistance, and the ability to compile and run code directly on your device. Access files from cloud storage and version control systems, with customizable themes and extensive editing features.

**Highlights:** Syntax highlighting for 110+ languages, Online compiler for 30+ languages, Code assist and auto-completion, Multi-tab navigation, Unlimited undo/redo, Cloud file access (FTP, WebDAV, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), GitHub/GitLab integration

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads (Forever) | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for coding on the go
- 👍 Supports many languages
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 👍 Good for learning and quick edits
- 👍 Minimal ads (for some users)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Unskippable, full-screen ads
- 😠 Ads after every file operation
- 😠 Ads interrupt workflow
- 😠 Frequent and intrusive ads
- 😠 Paid version still has ads

**Reported bugs**

- Uninterruptible ads
- Cannot create new files
- Cannot copy files
- Sidebar cannot be reopened after closing
- Cannot save files

**Requested features**

- SFTP protocol connection
- Add a run button
- Error indicator during typing
- Custom keyboard with coding symbols
- Ability to edit visual styles/syntax coloring


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Runestone Text Editor free?

Runestone Text Editor is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Code Editor free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Runestone Text Editor or Code Editor?

Runestone Text Editor is rated higher. Runestone Text Editor averages 4.7 out of 5 from 2K ratings, while Code Editor averages 3.2 from 43 ratings.

### Do Runestone Text Editor or Code Editor have ads?

Code Editor shows ads; Runestone Text Editor does not.

### Which is updated more often, Runestone Text Editor or Code Editor?

Runestone Text Editor ships an update every 2 weeks, and Code Editor every 5 weeks. Most recently, Runestone Text Editor was updated on September 23, 2026 and Code Editor on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Runestone Text Editor or Code Editor?

Runestone Text Editor currently peaks at #41 in the App Store charts, and Code Editor at #80. 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.*