# Runner vs Cat Merge

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Runner at 94% against Cat Merge's 27%. Runner also leads on rating (4.8 vs 2.9) and ads (none vs shown). Cat Merge's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 42) and ratings volume (1.9K vs 599). On price, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Runner sells 42 in-app purchases, starting at $19.99 per month. Cat Merge asks for nothing beyond the download.

Runner holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 599 and 1.9K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of Runner's written reviews are positive against 27% of Cat Merge's.

Runner ships an update weekly, Cat Merge every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 27, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Runner | Cat Merge |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (599 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runner-runner/id6479695726/reviews)** | [2.9 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cat-mergepet-game/id6757701948/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 599 | **1.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **93.8% of reviews** | 27.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#195** | — |
| Size | 696 MB | 109 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [XA Interactive Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1489800590) | [芙蓉 张](https://appshunter.io/developer/1790613588) |

## What reviewers say

### Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/runner-runner/id6479695726)

**Currently charting:** #195 Top Free · Adventure (US App Store)

Experience an exhilarating infinite runner game with vibrant landscapes and challenging obstacles. Compete globally for high scores and win real cash and prizes in daily, weekly, and monthly contests. Collect coins to unlock characters and power-ups.

**Highlights:** Endless running gameplay, Coin collection for unlocks, Obstacle dodging challenges, Global leaderboard competition, Win real cash and prizes, Daily bonus coins

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

**In-app purchases (42)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Auto Renew Subscription for a Month | $19.99 | per month |
| Nano Raid Shield | $0.99 | one-time |
| 20 Keys | $0.99 | one-time |
| 20 Shields | $0.99 | one-time |
| 20 Blasters | $0.99 | one-time |
| Event Purchase | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1000 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dwight Character | $2.99 | one-time |
| Exclusive Avatar | $3.99 | one-time |
| 100 Keys New | $3.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Nymera Character | $4.99 | one-time |
| Kairos Character | $4.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Raid System | $4.99 | one-time |
| Neon Rush | $4.99 | one-time |
| Event Extra Time | $4.99 | one-time |
| Limited Deals 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| 100 Blasters | $4.99 | one-time |
| 100 Keys | $4.99 | one-time |
| 100 Shields | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack 1 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack 2 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 2 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Limited Deals 2 | $8.99 | one-time |
| 250 Blasters | $8.99 | one-time |
| 250 Shields | $8.99 | one-time |
| 250 Keys | $8.99 | one-time |
| Fate Token Bag. | $9.99 | one-time |
| Limited Deals 4 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack 3 | $9.99 | one-time |
| 30,000 Coins | $14.99 | one-time |
| Fate Token Chest | $19.99 | one-time |
| Limited Deals 3 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack 4 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 3 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Mega Pack 5 | $29.99 | one-time |
| 50,000 Coins | $29.99 | one-time |
| 100,000 Coins | $39.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 4 | $39.99 | one-time |
| 200,000 Coins | $49.99 | one-time |
| 300,000 Coins | $59.99 | one-time |
| BEST VALUE 500,000 Coins | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎉 Amazing game
- 🤑 Can win real cash and prizes
- 🎮 Fun and addictive gameplay
- 🎨 Great graphics and visuals
- 👍 Smooth and responsive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤔 Confusing gift card redemption process
- 🐛 Occasional technical issues and crashes
- 💰 High number of coins required for rewards

**Reported bugs**

- Live play mode not working consistently
- Difficulty joining events or tournaments

**Requested features**

- More gift card options (Walmart, Target, etc.)
- Ability to cash out directly to payment apps (PayPal, CashApp)


### Cat Merge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cat-mergepet-game/id6757701948)

Merge identical cats to discover new breeds and build an adorable feline collection. This casual puzzle game offers simple, addictive gameplay perfect for relaxation and fun. Collect them all and watch your fluffy companions evolve.

**Highlights:** Merge identical cats, Unlock higher-level cats, Collect rare breeds, Simple tap-to-drop gameplay, Evolving feline designs, Build a cat collection

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Runner free?

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

### Is Cat Merge free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Runner or Cat Merge?

Runner is rated higher. Runner averages 4.8 out of 5 from 599 ratings, while Cat Merge averages 2.9 from 1.9K ratings.

### Do Runner or Cat Merge have ads?

Cat Merge shows ads; Runner does not.

### Which is updated more often, Runner or Cat Merge?

Runner ships an update weekly, and Cat Merge every 6 weeks. Most recently, Runner was updated on October 27, 2026 and Cat Merge on October 28, 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.*