# Canvas Run vs Squares*

The clearest difference is rating: Canvas Run at 4.5 against Squares*'s 4.0. Canvas Run also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 19 months) and ratings volume (35K vs 4). Squares*'s advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Canvas Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Squares* asks for nothing beyond the download.

Canvas Run holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Canvas Run has 35K ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 29% of Canvas Run's written reviews are positive against 50% of Squares*'s, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Canvas Run ships an update fortnightly, Squares* every 19 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Canvas Run | Squares* |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (35K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canvas-run/id1583922362/reviews)** | [4.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/squares/id1637793126/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **35K** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 29.2% of reviews | **50.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 19 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 263 MB | 1 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | 14.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Voodoo](https://appshunter.io/developer/714804730) | [Alexander Berson](https://appshunter.io/developer/1531453464) |

## 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


### Squares*

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/squares/id1637793126)

A classic game of strategy where players aim to complete more squares than their opponent. It's a simple yet engaging experience for quick matches.

**Highlights:** Complete squares, Outscore opponent, Simple strategy, Classic gameplay

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Canvas Run free?

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

### Is Squares* free?

Squares* is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Canvas Run or Squares*?

Canvas Run is rated higher. Canvas Run averages 4.5 out of 5 from 35K ratings, while Squares* averages 4.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Canvas Run or Squares* have ads?

Canvas Run shows ads; Squares* does not.

### Which is updated more often, Canvas Run or Squares*?

Canvas Run ships an update fortnightly, and Squares* every 19 months. Most recently, Canvas Run was updated on October 24, 2026 and Squares* on October 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.*