# Cube Runner vs Whale Trail

The clearest difference is rating: Whale Trail at 4.8 against Cube Runner's 3.9. Whale Trail also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and review sentiment (95% vs 80%). Cube Runner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 7) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Whale Trail sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Cube Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Whale Trail holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Whale Trail has 4.3K ratings behind it against 494, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of Cube Runner's written reviews are positive against 95% of Whale Trail's.

Cube Runner ships an update every 5 months, Whale Trail every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cube Runner | Whale Trail |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (494 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cube-runner/id284596345/reviews) | **[4.8 (4.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whale-trail/id450163154/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 494 | **4.3K** |
| Positive reviews | 80.3% of reviews | **94.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 36 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Andy Qua](https://appshunter.io/developer/284092693) | [ustwo games](https://appshunter.io/developer/297468910) |

## 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


### Whale Trail

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/whale-trail/id450163154)

Embark on a vibrant journey as a whale, collecting items, performing aerial maneuvers, and battling enemies. Unlock new characters, enhance abilities, and explore numerous challenge levels. Enjoy a visually stunning and engaging arcade experience.

**Highlights:** Fly as Willow the Whale, Collect Blubbles and earn Krill, Unlock playable friends, Upgrade Willow's skills, Smash enemies, 96 Challenge levels, Classic and Challenge game modes

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Pack 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Pocket Money | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Pack 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bucket Full | $2.99 | one-time |
| Serious Clams | $6.99 | one-time |
| Swimming In It | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🐳 Cute and fun game
- 🎶 Wonderful soundtrack
- 👍 Simple and addictive gameplay
- 🌈 Vibrant and colorful visuals
- 🕰️ Nostalgic for long-time players

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🤖 Outdated for newer devices
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🤯 Challenging and frustrating at times

**Reported bugs**

- Krill not properly credited after completing levels
- Game freezing on certain device models
- Whale controls not responsive on larger screens

**Requested features**

- Multiplayer mode
- More customization options for whales
- Wider screen support for newer devices
- Additional levels and worlds to explore


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cube Runner free?

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

### Is Whale Trail free?

Whale Trail is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cube Runner or Whale Trail?

Whale Trail is rated higher. Cube Runner averages 3.9 out of 5 from 494 ratings, while Whale Trail averages 4.8 from 4.3K ratings.

### Do Cube Runner or Whale Trail have ads?

Whale Trail shows ads; Cube Runner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cube Runner or Whale Trail?

Cube Runner ships an update every 5 months, and Whale Trail every 2 months. Most recently, Cube Runner was updated on October 8, 2026 and Whale Trail on October 14, 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.*