# 3D48 vs The Spiral Runner

The clearest difference is update cadence: The Spiral Runner at every 5 days against 3D48's every 3 weeks. 3D48's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. 3D48 sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and The Spiral Runner sells 8 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for 3D48 against 5.0 for The Spiral Runner. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 3 respectively.

3D48 ships an update every 3 weeks, The Spiral Runner every 5 days. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | 3D48 | The Spiral Runner |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d48/id6759066958/reviews) | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spiral-runner/id6760205535/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4** | 3 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 204 MB | 43 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Shusmo](https://appshunter.io/developer/1760158810) | [James Tunis](https://appshunter.io/developer/1529883072) |

## What reviewers say

### 3D48

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/3d48/id6759066958)

Experience a fresh 3D take on the classic number-merging puzzle. Merge matching numbers to discover new cubes and prevent the board from filling up. Easy to learn but challenging to master, this game offers strategic gameplay and endless fun.

**Highlights:** Unique 3D twist on number-merging puzzle, Simple, intuitive controls, Classic and Arcade game modes, Strategic gameplay, Smooth visuals and satisfying merges, Endless score-chasing challenge

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Coins Pack 50K | $0.99 | one-time |
| Coins Pack 150K | $2.99 | one-time |
| Coins Pack 350K | $4.99 | one-time |
| Coins Pack 1M | $9.99 | one-time |
| No Ads | $11.99 | one-time |
| Coins Pack 5M | $39.99 | one-time |


### The Spiral Runner

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-spiral-runner/id6760205535)

Navigate a spiraling tunnel, tapping to dodge obstacles and collect gems. Progress through diverse worlds with unique challenges or test your endurance in an endless mode. Customize your experience with unlockable skins and trail effects.

**Highlights:** Fast-paced arcade runner gameplay, 81 levels across 8 themed worlds, Endless mode with leaderboards, 20+ unlockable ball skins, Power-ups like Shield and Magnet, Combo system for score multipliers, Prestige system for emblems

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 Bomb | $0.99 | one-time |
| 130 Gems | $0.99 | one-time |
| 3 Bombs | $1.99 | one-time |
| 5 Bombs | $2.99 | one-time |
| 390 Gems | $2.99 | one-time |
| 910 Gems | $4.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $7.99 | one-time |
| 1950 Gems | $9.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 3D48 free?

3D48 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is The Spiral Runner free?

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

### Which has better reviews, 3D48 or The Spiral Runner?

3D48 and The Spiral Runner are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 3 ratings respectively.

### Do 3D48 or The Spiral Runner have ads?

Both 3D48 and The Spiral Runner show ads.

### Which is updated more often, 3D48 or The Spiral Runner?

3D48 ships an update every 3 weeks, and The Spiral Runner every 5 days. Most recently, 3D48 was updated on October 24, 2026 and The Spiral Runner on October 24, 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.*