# Cube Runner vs Axe Climber

The clearest difference is rating: Axe Climber at 4.8 against Cube Runner's 3.9. Axe Climber also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (57K vs 494). Cube Runner's advantage is review sentiment (80% vs 43%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Axe Climber sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Cube Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Axe Climber holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Axe Climber has 57K ratings behind it against 494, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 80% of Cube Runner's written reviews are positive against 43% of Axe Climber's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Cube Runner ships an update every 5 months, Axe Climber monthly. The most recent releases landed on September 19, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cube Runner | Axe Climber |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (494 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-runner/id284596345/reviews) | **[4.8 (57K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axe-climber/id1355767781/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 494 | **57K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.3% of reviews** | 43.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 146 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Andy Qua](https://appshunter.io/developer/284092693) | [MADFATCAT](https://appshunter.io/developer/549093534) |

## What reviewers say

### Cube Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-runner/id284596345)

Navigate a dynamic landscape, skillfully dodging an array of hazardous cubes. Experience exhilarating flight through tight gaps and canyons with highly responsive, intuitive controls. Enjoy multiple gameplay modes and customizable visual themes.

**Highlights:** Intuitive controls, Obstacle avoidance, Multiple difficulty levels, First and third-person views, Zen mode for endless play, Customizable themes, Original soundtrack

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth controls and gameplay
- 🎶 Blessed audio experience
- 👍 Simple yet fun design
- 🕹️ Nostalgic and addictive
- 🏆 Great high score challenges

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎮 Sensitive steering controls
- 🎨 Distracting new visuals
- 🔇 Lack of original music option
- 🔄 Speed resets on pause
- 🔀 Removed first-person view

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when downloading level packs
- Incompatible with older iOS versions
- Calibration issues on newer devices

**Requested features**

- Customizable control sensitivity
- Retro visual mode
- Option to toggle original soundtrack
- Vertical gameplay mode
- Level editor and sharing


### Axe Climber

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/axe-climber/id1355767781)

Embark on a challenging climbing adventure across treacherous mountains filled with hazards. Test your skills in this addictive game where only a select few can reach the final level. Master the controls to overcome obstacles and ascend to new heights.

**Highlights:** Challenging mountain climbs, Spikes, volcanoes, and eagles, Easy to learn, hard to master, Addictive gameplay, No ads (with subscription), VIP skins (with subscription), Super shield (with subscription)

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VIP Membership | $7.99 | per 7 days |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Simple and intuitive controls
- 💎 Good variety of characters to unlock

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💸 Excessive number of ads
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay after unlocking all characters

**Reported bugs**

- Icicles falling after leaving the danger zone
- Freeze/crash issues when watching ads
- Gem collection not working as intended

**Requested features**

- More challenging levels and obstacles
- Ability to customize characters and axes
- Offline mode with no ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cube Runner free?

Cube Runner is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Axe Climber free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cube Runner or Axe Climber?

Axe Climber is rated higher. Cube Runner averages 3.9 out of 5 from 494 ratings, while Axe Climber averages 4.8 from 57K ratings.

### Do Cube Runner or Axe Climber have ads?

Axe Climber shows ads; Cube Runner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cube Runner or Axe Climber?

Cube Runner ships an update every 5 months, and Axe Climber monthly. Most recently, Cube Runner was updated on September 19, 2026 and Axe Climber on September 26, 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.*