# Cardio Quest vs Pixel Runner

The clearest difference is rating: Cardio Quest at 4.2 against Pixel Runner's 2.0. Cardio Quest also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 6 months). Pixel Runner's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cardio Quest sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Pixel Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cardio Quest holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cardio Quest has 59 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Cardio Quest ships an update every 2 weeks, Pixel Runner every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cardio Quest | Pixel Runner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (59 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cardio-quest/id6443969471/reviews)** | [2.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-runner-mobile/id6747457897/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **59** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 59.5% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 1.2 GB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Press Forward Games LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1447922096) | [Cyrille Varin](https://appshunter.io/developer/1797930174) |

## What reviewers say

### Cardio Quest

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cardio-quest/id6443969471)

This fantasy role-playing game transforms your real-life workouts into epic battles. Track your heart rate to fight monsters, earn loot, and level up your hero. Compete with friends on leaderboards and track your fitness progress.

**Highlights:** Heart rate tracking for combat, Fantasy role-playing gameplay, Monster battles during workouts, Earn loot and level up hero, Friend tracking and leaderboards, Workout tracking

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Features | $4.99 | one-time |
| Monthly Battle Pass | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💡 Great motivation for workouts
- 👍 Fun and engaging gamified experience
- 🚀 Encourages healthy lifestyle
- 🌟 Unique RPG workout combination
- ❤️ Adds years and health to life

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Overwhelming for new users
- 🤔 Confusing UI and setup
- 🪲 Bugs and glitches present
- 🔄 Repetitive gameplay and grind
- ⚖️ Item and skill set imbalance

**Reported bugs**

- Cannot connect to Hyperate application
- Bug interface
- Needs separate app for Apple Watch data
- Sync feature has limitations (free version)
- App loses track of heart rate

**Requested features**

- Simpler UX for new users
- More things to manage
- Less time managing/learning
- Add an idle element (e.g., mining)
- Upgrade system for duplicate gear


### Pixel Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pixel-runner-mobile/id6747457897)

Embark on an interstellar journey to return home from a distant moon. Run, jump, and collect resources to construct your rocket and uncover the mysteries of your destination. Experience evolving gameplay with new challenges and a global ranking system.

**Highlights:** Story-driven pixel art animation, Five distinct worlds with changing scenery, Evolving astronaut suit with upgradeable abilities, Daily missions and challenges, Global player rankings, One-handed controls

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cardio Quest free?

Cardio Quest is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Pixel Runner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cardio Quest or Pixel Runner?

Cardio Quest is rated higher. Cardio Quest averages 4.2 out of 5 from 59 ratings, while Pixel Runner averages 2.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Cardio Quest or Pixel Runner have ads?

Pixel Runner shows ads; Cardio Quest does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cardio Quest or Pixel Runner?

Cardio Quest ships an update every 2 weeks, and Pixel Runner every 6 months. Most recently, Cardio Quest was updated on October 25, 2026 and Pixel Runner on October 24, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*