# Alien Run vs Bow Smash

The clearest difference is rating: Bow Smash at 4.7 against Alien Run's 2.3. Bow Smash also leads on ratings volume (1.6K vs 3) and review sentiment (16% vs 6%). Alien Run's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Alien Run sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Bow Smash sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Bow Smash holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Bow Smash has 1.6K ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 6% of Alien Run's written reviews are positive against 16% of Bow Smash's.

Alien Run ships an update every 9 days, Bow Smash every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Alien Run | Bow Smash |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [2.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alien-run-tentacle-attack/id6480405768/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bow-smash-archery-king/id6503169998/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **1.6K** |
| Positive reviews | 6.3% of reviews | **16.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 132 MB | 251 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [HAPPY GAME COMPANY TEKNOLOJI ANONIM SIRKETI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1523367113) | [Freeplay LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1232320673) |

## What reviewers say

### Alien Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alien-run-tentacle-attack/id6480405768)

Become an unstoppable alien invader in this action-packed survival game. Use your tentacle powers to capture fleeing humans and dominate the battlefield in an epic invasion scenario. Experience intense chases and strategic mob control as the ultimate predator.

**Highlights:** Alien invasion gameplay, Tentacle attack and capture, Mob control, Monster run challenges, Chase running humans, Strategic hunting

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Special Offer | $0.99 | one-time |
| 1 day No Ads | $0.99 | one-time |
| Skip It Bundle 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Mini Alien | $5.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 3 | $6.99 | one-time |
| Mini Alien + No Ads | $8.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 2 | $8.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 5 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Bundle 6 | $39.99 | one-time |


### Bow Smash

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bow-smash-archery-king/id6503169998)

Engage in an archery battle where you merge arrows to create powerful projectiles. Aim, shoot, and overcome obstacles and enemies in this action-packed target game. Discover rewards, enhance your gear, and prove your precision to become the ultimate archery king or queen.

**Highlights:** Merge arrows for increased power, Aim and shoot targets, Overcome obstacle courses, Defeat enemies and bosses, Enhance bow and arrows with buffs, Discover treasure chests

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Friend Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| One Time Offer Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Skip It Pack 2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Victory Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Money Pack 2 | $3.99 | one-time |
| Lifetime Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| Best Seller Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Skip It Pack 3 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $7.99 | one-time |
| Ads Free Pack | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good game
- 👍 Fun and enjoyable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Too many ads
- 🔒 Ads lock up the game
- 🔒 Ads disrupt gameplay
- 🐛 Progression issues
- 🐛 Soft locks and bugs

**Reported bugs**

- Progression stops at certain arrow levels
- Arrows reset to level 1 unexpectedly
- Inability to sell or merge arrows

**Requested features**

- Ability to disable ads
- Improved progression and upgrade system
- Better arrow management and merging


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Alien Run free?

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

### Is Bow Smash free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Alien Run or Bow Smash?

Bow Smash is rated higher. Alien Run averages 2.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while Bow Smash averages 4.7 from 1.6K ratings.

### Do Alien Run or Bow Smash have ads?

Both Alien Run and Bow Smash show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Alien Run or Bow Smash?

Alien Run ships an update every 9 days, and Bow Smash every 3 weeks. Most recently, Alien Run was updated on November 4, 2026 and Bow Smash on November 8, 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.*