# Chromabeam vs Head Up Runner

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Head Up Runner at none against Chromabeam's 7. Head Up Runner also leads on update cadence (every 11 days vs every 2 months) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.5). Chromabeam's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chromabeam sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Head Up Runner asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chromabeam ships an update every 2 months, Head Up Runner every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 10, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chromabeam | Head Up Runner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromabeam/id6745461241/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 11 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 6 MB | 63 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.5 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tiny Static LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1812346399) | [Salih Eksioglu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1633491617) |

## What reviewers say

### Chromabeam

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chromabeam/id6745461241)

Solve light beam puzzles across 75 levels by strategically placing reflectors and colored stones. Enjoy a relaxed gameplay experience with no time limits and no ads. Hints are available for purchase, with free hints included to help you progress.

**Highlights:** 75 puzzle levels, Reflector and Chromastone mechanics, No time limits, No ads, Optional hint purchases, Help section with tips

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chromabeam: 3 Hints | $0.99 | one-time |
| Chromabeam: 18 Hints | $1.99 | one-time |
| Chromabeam: 7 Hints | $1.99 | one-time |
| 40 Hint Stones for any level | $2.99 | one-time |
| Chromabeam: 200 Hints | $3.99 | one-time |
| Chromabeam Primary Levels Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Chromabeam: 90 Hints | $19.99 | one-time |


### Head Up Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/head-up-runner/id6746123113)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chromabeam free?

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

### Is Head Up Runner free?

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

### Do Chromabeam or Head Up Runner have ads?

Head Up Runner shows ads; Chromabeam does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chromabeam or Head Up Runner?

Chromabeam ships an update every 2 months, and Head Up Runner every 11 days. Most recently, Chromabeam was updated on October 10, 2026 and Head Up Runner on October 16, 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.*