# Canabalt vs Simple Match 3

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Canabalt at none against Simple Match 3's 1. Canabalt also leads on iOS requirement (9.2 vs 14.0). Simple Match 3's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.3) and update cadence (weekly vs every 2 months). On ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Canabalt costs $2.99 and Simple Match 3 $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Canabalt asks for nothing beyond the download.

Simple Match 3 holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 84 and 258 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 68% of Canabalt's written reviews are positive against 90% of Simple Match 3's.

Canabalt ships an update every 2 months, Simple Match 3 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Canabalt | Simple Match 3 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | [4.3 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canabalt/id333180061/reviews) | **[4.8 (258 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 84 | **258** |
| Positive reviews | 68.1% of reviews | **89.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#49** |
| Size | 27 MB | 463 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.2** | 14.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Finji](https://appshunter.io/developer/287712246) | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) |

## What reviewers say

### Canabalt

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canabalt/id333180061)

Escape a collapsing city by running and jumping with a single button. This classic infinite runner offers new game modes, multiple characters, and a thrilling race for survival.

**Highlights:** One-button controls, Infinite runner gameplay, New game modes, Multiple characters, High score chasing, Two-player option

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Simple yet addictive gameplay
- 👍 Atmospheric music and sound effects
- 🎨 Unique retro pixel art style
- 💡 Randomized obstacles for replayability

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive for a simple game
- 🔍 Lack of screen optimization for newer devices
- 🔇 No option to disable music
- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on iOS 14
- Sound effects not working on some devices
- High scores not displaying correctly

**Requested features**

- Ability to turn off music
- More game modes and levels
- Online leaderboards and achievements
- Controller support


### Simple Match 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389)

**Currently charting:** #49 Top Paid · Casual, #65 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

This is a relaxing puzzle game where you swap tiles to make matches of three. Unlock hundreds of unique tiles, customize your game's appearance, and enjoy satisfying effects. It offers a peaceful experience without ads or excessive story elements.

**Highlights:** No ads or subscriptions, Hundreds of unique tiles, Customizable appearance, Daily levels with leaderboards, Zen Mode for relaxation, Satisfying visual effects, Achievements and boosters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Simple Match 3 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Match 3 Game
- 👍 Calming and Engaging
- 🔒 No Ads or IAPs
- 👍 Customizable Tiles
- 👍 Relaxing Music and Sound Effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs in Higher Levels
- 🐛 Impossible Levels Due to Missing Obstacles
- 🐛 Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- 🐛 Reward Box Tapping Issue
- 🐛 Inconsistent Star Rating System

**Reported bugs**

- Levels with Missing Obstacles
- Reward Box Tapping Issue
- Inconsistent Star Rating System
- Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- Crashes on Opening

**Requested features**

- Level Editor
- Endless/Survival Mode
- Improved Power-Up Interactions
- Hints or Shuffle Option
- Landscape Support for iPad


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Canabalt free?

Canabalt costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

Simple Match 3 costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Canabalt or Simple Match 3?

Simple Match 3 is rated higher. Canabalt averages 4.3 out of 5 from 84 ratings, while Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 from 258 ratings.

### Do Canabalt or Simple Match 3 have ads?

Neither Canabalt nor Simple Match 3 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Canabalt or Simple Match 3?

Canabalt ships an update every 2 months, and Simple Match 3 weekly. Most recently, Canabalt was updated on October 29, 2026 and Simple Match 3 on October 27, 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.*