# Canvas Run vs Gem Stack

Canvas Run and Gem Stack are too close to call on the numbers: across 10 compared parameters — price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Canvas Run against 4.6 for Gem Stack. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 33K and 36K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 29% of Canvas Run's written reviews are positive against 35% of Gem Stack's.

Canvas Run ships an update fortnightly, Gem Stack weekly. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Canvas Run | Gem Stack |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (33K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-run/id1583922362/reviews) | **[4.6 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-stack/id1601511059/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 33K | **36K** |
| Positive reviews | 29.2% of reviews | **34.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 263 MB | 389 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Voodoo](https://appshunter.io/developer/714804730) | [Rollic Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1452111779) |

## What reviewers say

### Canvas Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-run/id1583922362)

Navigate through levels by expanding your canvas. Enjoy addictive gameplay with simple, intuitive controls.

**Highlights:** Expand canvas to clear levels, Easy slide controls, Addictive gameplay mechanic, Progress through levels

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 Satisfying and relaxing gameplay
- 🕹️ Fun and addictive
- 💎 Gems collected
- 🌈 Colorful visuals

**What reviewers complain about**

- 📺 Too many ads
- 🔓 Requires internet connection to play
- 🔍 Unclear purpose of gems
- 🔻 Unfair ball reduction mechanics
- 🐛 Glitches and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Camera glitches and falls through the map
- Game freezes and crashes
- Inconsistent ball count reductions

**Requested features**

- Ability to spend gems on upgrades or customization
- Offline play mode
- More obstacles and challenges
- Clearer progression and scoring system


### Gem Stack

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-stack/id1601511059)

Collect and stack precious gems while navigating a treacherous obstacle course. Dodge traps, merge valuable gems, and protect your growing pile to reach the finish line and claim your rewards. Experience satisfying gem-collecting gameplay with bright visuals and addictive progression.

**Highlights:** Satisfying gem runner gameplay, Obstacle dodging action, Gem merging mechanics, Bright and glittering visuals, Addictive progression system, Collect and stack gems

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Satisfying gem crafting
- 🕹️ Works offline

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Too many ads
- 🤔 Paid 'no ads' feature doesn't work
- 🐌 Glitchy and slow performance
- 💰 Purchases don't remove ads

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes after certain levels
- Purchases not properly registered
- Inconsistent end-of-level experience

**Requested features**

- More level variety and difficulty progression
- Ability to customize gem types and jewelry
- Better in-game currency system
- Improved customer support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Canvas Run free?

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

### Is Gem Stack free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Canvas Run or Gem Stack?

Gem Stack is rated higher. Canvas Run averages 4.5 out of 5 from 33K ratings, while Gem Stack averages 4.6 from 36K ratings.

### Do Canvas Run or Gem Stack have ads?

Both Canvas Run and Gem Stack show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Canvas Run or Gem Stack?

Canvas Run ships an update fortnightly, and Gem Stack weekly. Most recently, Canvas Run was updated on September 24, 2026 and Gem Stack on September 24, 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.*