# Hamster Runner vs VirtualHamster

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Hamster Runner at none against VirtualHamster's 1. Hamster Runner also leads on update cadence (every 10 days vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VirtualHamster sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Hamster Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Hamster Runner ships an update every 10 days, VirtualHamster every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hamster Runner | VirtualHamster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.7 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamster-runner-crowd-control/id6736997309/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 10 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 98 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Maria Saleem](https://appshunter.io/developer/1764819388) | [Ian Lander](https://appshunter.io/developer/1689920635) |

## What reviewers say

### Hamster Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hamster-runner-crowd-control/id6736997309)

Race a nimble hamster through an obstacle course, dodging traps and making strategic choices to boost your score. Swipe to navigate paths and power up your speed in this vibrant, action-packed runner game.

**Highlights:** Fast-paced obstacle course racing, Strategic number gate choices, Unlockable challenging levels, Vibrant and dynamic graphics, Swipe-based controls for navigation

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### VirtualHamster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/virtualhamster/id6759629384)

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Version | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hamster Runner free?

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

### Is VirtualHamster free?

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

### Do Hamster Runner or VirtualHamster have ads?

Neither Hamster Runner nor VirtualHamster shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Hamster Runner or VirtualHamster?

Hamster Runner ships an update every 10 days, and VirtualHamster every 6 weeks. Most recently, Hamster Runner was updated on October 24, 2026 and VirtualHamster on October 25, 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.*