Comparison

Sonic Boom Dash vs Sonic Mania Plus

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Sonic Boom Dash

Experience a thrilling 3D endless runner with iconic characters from the Sonic Boom TV series. Race through vibrant worlds, utilize unique character abilities, and overcome new obstacles. Collect magical sprites and compete on global leaderboards.

Highlights
  • Team Play mode with character swapping
  • Unique character special powers
  • New obstacles and Badniks
  • Swing & Tilt gameplay with Enerbeam
  • Collect and evolve magical Sprites
  • Daily SEGA Challenges and Events
  • Leveling system to unlock challenges
Read full description

The world’s fastest hedgehog returns in a high-octane sequel built for the next generation of mobile gaming. Sonic Boom Dash fuses the legendary speed of SEGA’s classic runners with the tactical depth of the hit Sonic Boom universe. This isn't just a race; it’s a fully immersive, multi-layered dash through 3D worlds that push your reflexes to the limit. Explore Immersive 3D Worlds Embark on a high-speed journey through breathtaking 3D landscapes and exhilarating new challenges. Whether you're navigating lush jungles or futuristic ruins, the gameplay is truly endless. Take control of your destiny by choosing the ultimate runner from the iconic Sonic the Hedgehog roster. Will you dash as the legendary Sonic, or master the track with Shadow, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Vector, or the fearless newcomer, Sticks the Badger? Epic Graphics, Elite Precision Experience the "Boom" with stunning, console-quality graphics that bring every loop and jump to life. Race through meticulously designed courses filled with high-stakes hazards and intricate obstacles. It’s not just about running—it’s about precision. Dodge, jump, and weave your way through epic levels as you fight for the top of the leaderboard and claim your victory. Endless Action for Every Generation Built for fans of all ages, Sonic Boom offers a deep, rewarding gameplay experience that kids and adults alike can’t put down. The more you run, the more you achieve! Unlock an entire stable of classic characters and customize your experience by selecting the runner that fits your style. Sonic and his team are at the starting line—are you ready to join the race? GAME FEATURES -ICONIC ROSTER: Play as Sonic, Shadow, Tails, Amy, Knuckles, Vector, or the wild and unpredictable Sticks the Badger. -STUNNING 3D ENVIRONMENTS: Race through lush jungles and futuristic landscapes in the beautiful Sonic Boom world, featuring graphics optimized for high-speed thrills. -EVOLVE YOUR GAMEPLAY: Collect and evolve magical Sprites. These tiny companions provide instant boosts, reviving you from crashes or extending your dash power. -LIVE EVENTS & CHALLENGES: Don't just run for a high score—run for glory. Compete in Daily SEGA Challenges and special events to unlock exclusive rewards and rare prizes. Dash into the next generation of endless runners. The world of Sonic Boom is waiting—are you fast enough to handle it? - - - - - Privacy Policy: http://www.sega.com/mprivacy/ Terms of Use: https://games.sega.com/eula SEGA’s Sonic Boom Dash is ad-supported and in-app purchases are not required to progress. Ad-free play is available with an in-app purchase. Other than for users known to be under 13, this game may include "Interest Based Ads" (please see http://www.sega.com/mprivacy#3IBADiscolure for more information) and may collect "Precise Location Data" (please see http://www.sega.com/mprivacy#5LocationDataDisclosure for more information). © SEGA. All rights reserved. SEGA, the SEGA logo, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, SONIC DASH and SONIC BOOM are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA Holdings Co., Ltd. or its affiliates.

About

Sonic Mania Plus

Experience a vibrant retro platformer with classic characters and new challenges. Run, jump, and collect rings through remixed zones, solving puzzles and battling familiar foes. A true celebration of the beloved franchise for both long-time fans and newcomers.

Highlights
  • Play as Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles
  • Unique character abilities
  • Collect gold rings and special rings
  • Solve secret puzzles
  • Battle new bosses and Dr. Eggman
  • Remixed classic zones
Read full description

NETFLIX MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. Run, jump and collect gold rings as Sonic, Tails or Knuckles in this speedy homage made by and for fans of the beloved franchise. '90s nostalgia and epic new boss fights await! Experience the ultimate celebration of the world's fastest blue hedgehog in this remixed retro platformer filled with callbacks and Easter eggs from past Sonic games. Perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike. PLAY AS MULTIPLE CHARACTERS • Choose your character! Go explosively fast as Sonic, soar as Tails or power around tough obstacles with Knuckles’ brute strength. RUN, JUMP, COLLECT • Channel your character's unique abilities to cross a landscape filled with pitfalls. • Jump to avoid obstacles and enemies while collecting as many golden rings as possible. Timing is everything. If you get hit by an enemy and lose all your rings, you die! • Solve secret puzzles to collect special rings and find hidden Chaos Emeralds as you progress further into the game. NEW BOSSES, CLASSIC FIGHTS • Relive the Sonic of the past with an exciting twist on classic zones while fighting new bosses and Dr. Eggman’s evil robot army. FOR FANS, BY FANS • Sonic Mania Plus was developed by notable designers and longtime Sonic fans Christian Whitehead, Headcannon and PagodaWest Games in collaboration with Sonic Team. Copyright SEGA. All rights reserved. SEGA is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. SEGA, the SEGA logo and SONIC MANIA are registered trademarks or trademarks of SEGA CORPORATION.

Screenshots

Sonic Boom Dash4 screens
Sonic Mania Plus4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Sonic Mania Plus at none against Sonic Boom Dash's shown. Sonic Mania Plus also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Sonic Boom Dash sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Sonic Mania Plus sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $19.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Sonic Mania Plus holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 32K and 29K respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 73% and 74% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Sonic Boom Dash ships an update every 5 weeks, Sonic Mania Plus every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Sonic Boom Dash versus Sonic Mania Plus: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSonic Boom DashSonic Mania Plus
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (32K ratings)4.8 (29K ratings) — better
Positive reviews73.4% of reviews74.2% of reviews — better
Number of ratings32K — better29K
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size360 MB271 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperSEGANetflix, Inc.

Customer experience

Sonic Boom Dash

All ratings31,489 ratings
Positive86.3%
Neutral5.3%
Negative8.4%
Written reviews708 reviews
Positive73.4%
Neutral11.3%
Negative15.3%

Sonic Mania Plus

All ratings26,931 ratings
Positive94.3%
Neutral2.4%
Negative3.3%
Written reviews926 reviews
Positive74.2%
Neutral8.4%
Negative17.4%

User reviews

Sonic Boom Dash

From 32K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Amazing
  • 🚀 Awesome
  • 🚀 Best game ever
  • 🚀 Cool game
  • 🚀 Fun and challenging

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Crashes more often than not
  • 🐛 Glitchy, with progress reset issues
  • 🐛 Laggy, especially in busy areas
  • 🔋 Drains battery quickly
  • 💰 Expensive characters and in-app purchases

Sonic Mania Plus

From 29K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Smooth gameplay
  • 👍 Great port of a classic game
  • 🎮 Good controller support
  • 💰 Free with Netflix subscription

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Audio issues (crackling, stuttering)
  • 🔍 Small touch controls
  • 📺 Doesn't fill the screen
  • 🔒 Locked behind Netflix paywall

Bugs and requests

Sonic Boom Dash

Reported bugs

5 issues
  • Game crashes frequently
  • Progress gets reset unexpectedly
  • Freezing and connectivity issues
  • Glitches with the enerbeam and obstacles
  • Ads cause sound issues

Requested features

7 requests
  • Add more characters like Metal Sonic, Silver, Blaze, Espio, Charmy, etc.
  • Introduce boss battles and more varied levels
  • Reduce the cost of characters and make it easier to unlock them
  • Allow customization of characters and sprites
  • Add more events and challenges
Show 2 more
  • Improve the event system and make it less frustrating
  • Fix the sound issues and bugs

Sonic Mania Plus

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Soft-locks in Studiopolis Zone
  • Debug mode issues
  • Saving problems in Flying Battery Zone
  • Graphical glitches in Metallic Madness

Requested features

4 requests
  • Bigger and customizable touch controls
  • Widescreen support
  • Optimization for older devices
  • Standalone purchase option

In-app purchases

10 purchases

Sonic Boom Dash

One-time10
  • Quick Bundle$1.99
  • Boom Boost Discount$1.99
  • Extreme Offer$1.99
Show 7 more
  • Boom Boost$2.99
  • Taster Bundle$4.99
  • Apprentice Bundle$9.99
  • Expert Bundle$19.99
  • Master Bundle$49.99
  • Ultra Offer$49.99
  • Hero Bundle$99.99
1 purchases

Sonic Mania Plus

Subscriptions1
  • Netflix Standard Plan$19.991 Month

Questions

Is Sonic Boom Dash free?
Sonic Boom Dash is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Sonic Mania Plus free?
Sonic Mania Plus is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Sonic Boom Dash or Sonic Mania Plus?
Sonic Mania Plus is rated higher. Sonic Boom Dash averages 4.5 out of 5 from 32K ratings, while Sonic Mania Plus averages 4.8 from 29K ratings.
Do Sonic Boom Dash or Sonic Mania Plus have ads?
Sonic Boom Dash shows ads; Sonic Mania Plus does not.
Which is updated more often, Sonic Boom Dash or Sonic Mania Plus?
Sonic Boom Dash ships an update every 5 weeks, and Sonic Mania Plus every 3 weeks. Most recently, Sonic Boom Dash was updated on November 5, 2026 and Sonic Mania Plus on November 5, 2026.

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