# Running Fred vs Numbers Merge

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Running Fred at 79% against Numbers Merge's 17%. Running Fred also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (1.8K vs 109). Numbers Merge's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Running Fred sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Numbers Merge asks for nothing beyond the download.

Running Fred holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Running Fred has 1.8K ratings behind it against 109, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of Running Fred's written reviews are positive against 17% of Numbers Merge's.

Running Fred ships an update every 3 months, Numbers Merge weekly. The most recent releases landed on September 27, 2026 and August 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Running Fred | Numbers Merge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/running-fred/id492146903/reviews)** | [3.9 (109 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numbers-merge-plus-and-run/id6446265607/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.8K** | 109 |
| Positive reviews | **79.0% of reviews** | 17.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 233 MB | 130 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Dedalord S.R.L.](https://appshunter.io/developer/378692856) | [ABI GLOBAL LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1743349083) |

## What reviewers say

### Running Fred

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/running-fred/id492146903)

Guide a hapless hero through perilous traps and challenges in this fast-paced third-person platformer. Perform acrobatic maneuvers, utilize special items, and choose from multiple game modes to survive.

**Highlights:** Acrobatic maneuvers, Perilous traps, Multiple game modes, Special skills and perks, Unlockable characters and outfits, Cross-device progress saving

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2000 Skullies Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Value Pack 3 | $1.99 | one-time |
| 5000 Skullies Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| 11000 Skullies Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| 24000 Skullies Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| 60000 Skullies Pack | $14.99 | one-time |
| 84000 Skullies Pack | $29.99 | one-time |
| 350000 Skullies | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 🎨 Customizable character
- 🎢 Challenging obstacles
- 🎯 Nostalgic experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and glitches
- 🕰️ Slow loading times
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🩸 Excessive violence/gore

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes when using Iron Fred character
- Mystery boxes not working as intended
- Inverted controls and screen orientation issues
- Obstacles not registering properly

**Requested features**

- Bring back Falling Fred and Falling Fred Z
- Add more levels and worlds
- Improve controls and responsiveness
- Reduce difficulty of obtaining in-game currency


### Numbers Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/numbers-merge-plus-and-run/id6446265607)

Collect smaller numbers to create larger ones in this challenging number-running game. Swipe to gather numbers, avoid obstacles, and break through walls to reach new heights.

**Highlights:** Collect smaller numbers, Create bigger numbers, Number running challenges, Avoid obstacles, Break through walls, Reach final goal

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Running Fred free?

Running Fred is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Numbers Merge free?

Numbers Merge is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Running Fred or Numbers Merge?

Running Fred is rated higher. Running Fred averages 4.5 out of 5 from 1.8K ratings, while Numbers Merge averages 3.9 from 109 ratings.

### Do Running Fred or Numbers Merge have ads?

Both Running Fred and Numbers Merge show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Running Fred or Numbers Merge?

Running Fred ships an update every 3 months, and Numbers Merge weekly. Most recently, Running Fred was updated on September 27, 2026 and Numbers Merge on August 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.*