# Atom Run vs The Grid Platformer

The clearest difference is price: The Grid Platformer at Free against Atom Run's $2.99. The Grid Platformer also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.8) and review sentiment (100% vs 58%). Atom Run's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ads (none vs shown). On device support there is nothing between them.

The Grid Platformer is free to download; Atom Run costs $2.99 up front. The Grid Platformer sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Atom Run asks for nothing beyond the download.

The Grid Platformer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Atom Run has 46 ratings behind it against 5, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 58% of Atom Run's written reviews are positive against 100% of The Grid Platformer's.

Atom Run ships an update every 17 months, The Grid Platformer every 9 months. The most recent releases landed on October 9, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Atom Run | The Grid Platformer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (46 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atom-run/id598232243/reviews) | **[4.8 (5 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-grid-platformer/id962424252/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **46** | 5 |
| Positive reviews | 58.5% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 17 months | **Every 9 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 132 MB | 18 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +9 | 9+ |
| Developer | [Fingerlab](https://appshunter.io/developer/412786610) | [Brandon Stecklein](https://appshunter.io/developer/498894252) |

## What reviewers say

### Atom Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/atom-run/id598232243)

Embark on a fast-paced platformer adventure as a robot prototype tasked with collecting atoms and molecules to recreate life. Navigate challenging levels with precise controls and enjoy a console-worthy experience optimized for mobile devices.

**Highlights:** Fast-paced action-adventure platformer, Intuitive and precise controls, Console-worthy mobile experience, Original electronic music soundtrack, Supports iOS joysticks, Game Center integration

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great game
- 🎨 Excellent graphics
- 🎶 Awesome soundtrack
- 👍 Fun and addictive
- 🕹️ Tight controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🕰️ Difficult and frustrating levels
- 🔁 Repetitive gameplay
- 🔒 Limited progression without badges
- 🤖 Unresponsive double jumps

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes on high graphics settings
- Levels not unlocking properly
- Time badges not registering correctly
- Audio issues and freezes

**Requested features**

- More levels and content
- Ability to save progress
- Customizable controls
- Power-ups and abilities
- Level editor


### The Grid Platformer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-grid-platformer/id962424252)

Embark on a retro-style 2D side-scrolling adventure as a transformed automotronic man. Run, jump, and smash through 12 action-packed levels to escape a strange digital world. Experience fast-paced gameplay with amazing retro graphics.

**Highlights:** 2D side-scrolling adventure, Retro graphics, 12 action-packed levels, Run, jump, and smash mechanics, Fast-paced gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Advertising Removal | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Atom Run free?

Atom Run costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is The Grid Platformer free?

The Grid Platformer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Atom Run or The Grid Platformer?

The Grid Platformer is rated higher. Atom Run averages 3.8 out of 5 from 46 ratings, while The Grid Platformer averages 4.8 from 5 ratings.

### Do Atom Run or The Grid Platformer have ads?

The Grid Platformer shows ads; Atom Run does not.

### Which is updated more often, Atom Run or The Grid Platformer?

Atom Run ships an update every 17 months, and The Grid Platformer every 9 months. Most recently, Atom Run was updated on October 9, 2026 and The Grid Platformer on September 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.*