# XScreenSaver vs Beach Ball Runner

The clearest difference is ads: XScreenSaver at none against Beach Ball Runner's shown. XScreenSaver also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported) and ratings volume (109 vs 12). Beach Ball Runner's advantage is update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 6 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Beach Ball Runner holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: XScreenSaver has 109 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 93% of XScreenSaver's written reviews are positive against 100% of Beach Ball Runner's.

XScreenSaver ships an update every 6 months, Beach Ball Runner every 5 weeks. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | XScreenSaver | Beach Ball Runner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (109 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xscreensaver/id539014593/reviews) | **[4.9 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beach-ball-runner/id1514274329/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **109** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 92.9% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 37 MB | 55 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jamie Zawinski](https://appshunter.io/developer/368900426) | [App Factorial LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1503943702) |

## What reviewers say

### XScreenSaver

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xscreensaver/id539014593)

Explore a vast collection of historic and educational graphics demos originally designed for Linux and Unix systems. This application allows you to interact with hundreds of these visual demonstrations, ported from the classic screen saver collection.

**Highlights:** Historic graphics demos, Educational visual content, Interactive demo playback, Large collection of visuals, Cross-platform heritage

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ No ads or data collection
- 🎨 Extensive variety of screensavers
- 📱 Works seamlessly across multiple platforms (iOS, Mac, iPad)
- 🆓 Completely free application
- 🕰️ Nostalgic and retro aesthetic appeal

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes with certain screensavers
- 🎯 Difficult to tap small exit button on larger devices
- 🔋 High battery consumption on some devices
- ⚠️ Photo library screensaver crashes on iOS 13
- 🎪 Limited practical use on iOS devices

**Reported bugs**

- Photo library screensaver crashes on iOS 13
- GLText reveals password when system info is selected
- Framebuffer loading failures requiring app restart
- Crashes on certain devices or configurations
- Difficult UI for exiting screensavers on larger phones

**Requested features**

- Favorites or bookmarking system to save preferred screensavers
- Hide or exclude unwanted screensavers from rotation
- Ability to select specific channels in XAnalogTV screensaver
- Widget support for iOS standby mode
- Prevent auto-lock feature to keep screen on


### Beach Ball Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/beach-ball-runner/id1514274329)

Guide a beach ball through an endless, increasingly fast-paced obstacle course. Collect coins for points, stars for invincibility, and hearts to stay alive. Compete on the leaderboard and use ads to revive yourself.

**Highlights:** Endless obstacle course gameplay, Coin collection for scoring, Invincibility power-ups, Revive with ads, Leaderboard for high scores

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is XScreenSaver free?

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

### Is Beach Ball Runner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, XScreenSaver or Beach Ball Runner?

Beach Ball Runner is rated higher. XScreenSaver averages 4.8 out of 5 from 109 ratings, while Beach Ball Runner averages 4.9 from 12 ratings.

### Do XScreenSaver or Beach Ball Runner have ads?

Beach Ball Runner shows ads; XScreenSaver does not.

### Which is updated more often, XScreenSaver or Beach Ball Runner?

XScreenSaver ships an update every 6 months, and Beach Ball Runner every 5 weeks. Most recently, XScreenSaver was updated on October 24, 2026 and Beach Ball Runner on October 24, 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.*