# Gem Stack vs Number Merge Run

The clearest difference is update cadence: Gem Stack at weekly against Number Merge Run's every 3 months. Gem Stack also leads on ratings volume (36K vs 4.1K). Number Merge Run's advantage is chart position (#210 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On price, rating, review sentiment and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Gem Stack sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Number Merge Run sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.6 for Gem Stack against 4.6 for Number Merge Run. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Gem Stack has 36K ratings behind it against 4.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 35% of Gem Stack's written reviews are positive against 38% of Number Merge Run's.

Gem Stack ships an update weekly, Number Merge Run every 3 months. Both last shipped on October 18, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Gem Stack | Number Merge Run |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gem-stack/id1601511059/reviews) | [4.6 (4.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-merge-run-shooting/id6469477432/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **36K** | 4.1K |
| Positive reviews | 34.9% of reviews | **37.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#210** |
| Size | 389 MB | 197 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Rollic Games](https://appshunter.io/developer/1452111779) | [KAYAC Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/315952203) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Number Merge Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-merge-run-shooting/id6469477432)

**Currently charting:** #210 Top Free · Action (US App Store)

Engage in a unique shooting and running game where you merge numbers to grow them. Shoot and collect numbers to increase their size, then use them to break through obstacles and earn in-game currency. Upgrade your abilities to become stronger and progress through the game.

**Highlights:** Number shooting and merging mechanics, Running gameplay, Collect and grow numbers, Destroy number walls, Earn in-game currency, Upgrade abilities

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $7.99 | one-time |
| Power Up | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good game
- 😀 Fun and addictive
- 🎉 Decent ad distribution

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤬 Too many ads
- 🐛 Ads not playing properly
- 🛑 Progression issues after certain levels

**Reported bugs**

- 1B level not leveling up
- Game getting stuck at certain points
- Incompatibility with older devices

**Requested features**

- Option to disable ads
- More content and levels
- Bug fixes for 1B progression


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Gem Stack free?

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

### Is Number Merge Run free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Gem Stack or Number Merge Run?

Gem Stack and Number Merge Run are both rated 4.6 out of 5 on the App Store, from 36K and 4.1K ratings respectively.

### Do Gem Stack or Number Merge Run have ads?

Both Gem Stack and Number Merge Run show ads.

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

Gem Stack ships an update weekly, and Number Merge Run every 3 months. Most recently, Gem Stack was updated on October 18, 2026 and Number Merge Run on October 18, 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.*