# Surf or Die vs True Surf

The clearest difference is rating: True Surf at 3.9 against Surf or Die's 2.1. True Surf also leads on review sentiment (61% vs 20%) and update cadence (monthly vs every 29 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Surf or Die sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and True Surf sells 7 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

True Surf holds the better App Store score, 3.9 against 2.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: True Surf has 3.5K ratings behind it against 174, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 20% of Surf or Die's written reviews are positive against 61% of True Surf's.

Surf or Die ships an update every 29 months, True Surf monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and November 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Surf or Die | True Surf |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.1 (174 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surf-or-die/id392566571/reviews) | **[3.9 (3.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-surf/id1177819604/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 174 | **3.5K** |
| Positive reviews | 20.1% of reviews | **60.8% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 29 months | **Monthly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#94** |
| Size | 29 MB | 211 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sea Venture LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/312276940) | [True Axis](https://appshunter.io/developer/337866373) |

## What reviewers say

### Surf or Die

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surf-or-die/id392566571)

Experience the thrill of surfing across 19 iconic global locations. Master new boards and perform advanced tricks as you conquer monster waves. This game offers realistic graphics and immersive sound for an authentic surfing adventure.

**Highlights:** 19 world-class surfing locations, Unlock new boards and moves, Perform dozens of tricks, Advanced OpenGL graphics, Online high score database, Multiple camera angles

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Surf or Die Act III | $0.99 | one-time |
| Surf or Die Full Version | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Awesome surfing experience
- 🤩 Challenging and addictive gameplay
- 👍 Realistic wave mechanics
- 💯 Best surfing game ever

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🤯 Extremely difficult controls
- 🤔 Lack of instructions/tutorials
- 🙄 Terrible graphics and visuals

**Reported bugs**

- Constant wipeouts with no way to recover
- Inconsistent wave behavior and physics
- High score tracking not working properly

**Requested features**

- More surfing locations and levels
- Ability to customize boards and characters
- Multiplayer and leaderboard features
- Better optimization and stability


### True Surf

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/true-surf/id1177819604)

**Currently charting:** #94 Top Grossing · Sports (US App Store)

Experience realistic surfing with advanced physics and graphics across 34 iconic global surf spots. Conquer missions, master controls, and compete in WSL events. Features real-time surf conditions and a variety of boards and apparel.

**Highlights:** Realistic wave physics simulation, 34 iconic global surf spots, Real-time surf conditions, First-person barrel mode, Feat-based mission mode, WSL Championship Tour events, Brand-name surfboards and apparel

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

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Perfect Storm (monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Frequent Flyer (monthly) | $2.99 | per month |
| Handful of Clams | $0.99 | one-time |
| Bag of Clams | $7.99 | one-time |
| Chest of Clams | $28.99 | one-time |
| Boatload of Clams | $49.99 | one-time |
| Sea of Clams | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🌊 Realistic wave physics and graphics
- 🤙 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 🔥 Best surfing game on mobile
- 👍 Intuitive controls once learned
- 🌍 Variety of real-world surf spots

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases for boards and upgrades
- 🐢 Extremely slow progression and leveling up
- 🤯 Inconsistent and unreliable scoring system
- 🌊 Lack of consistently good waves at many locations
- 🔋 Battery draining issues

**Reported bugs**

- Waves not generating properly at Surf Ranch
- Progression resets and lost progress
- Inability to travel to desired surf spots

**Requested features**

- First-person camera mode
- Customizable boards and characters
- Competitive multiplayer mode
- Career mode with challenges and sponsorships
- Ability to create and share custom surf spots


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Surf or Die free?

Surf or Die is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is True Surf free?

True Surf is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Surf or Die or True Surf?

True Surf is rated higher. Surf or Die averages 2.1 out of 5 from 174 ratings, while True Surf averages 3.9 from 3.5K ratings.

### Do Surf or Die or True Surf have ads?

Neither Surf or Die nor True Surf shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Surf or Die or True Surf?

Surf or Die ships an update every 29 months, and True Surf monthly. Most recently, Surf or Die was updated on October 29, 2026 and True Surf on November 1, 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.*