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Head-to-head · Free iPad Games

Plants vs. Zombies 2 vs Brawl Stars

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Plants vs. Zombies 2 #2 in Free iPad Games 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit site
Brawl Stars #6 in Free iPad Games 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Brawl Stars

Plants vs. Zombies 2 leads on 1 check, Brawl Stars on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scorePlants vs. Zombies 2 · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresPlants vs. Zombies 2 · 2 of 4

Plants vs. Zombies 2 scores higher on our rubric for free ipad games: 9.3 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 offers offline play; Brawl Stars doesn't.

Plants vs. Zombies 2 is the better fit for tower-defense strategy with plenty to explore. Brawl Stars is the better fit for fast team battles and varied competitive modes.

  • Plants vs. Zombies 2 fits best

    Tower-defense strategy with plenty to explore

  • Brawl Stars fits best

    Fast team battles and varied competitive modes

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Plants vs. Zombies 2 9.3/10 Visit ↗ Brawl Stars 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.9
Ranking #2 in Free iPad Games #6 in Free iPad Games
Best for Tower-defense strategy with plenty to explore Fast team battles and varied competitive modes
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Mobile Mobile
Platforms Android, iOS Android, iOS
Support Email Docs, Email, Phone
Built for Solo Solo
Features Plants vs. Zombies 2 2/4 · Brawl Stars 1/4
In-app purchases Not published Not published
Multiplayer ✓ ✓
Offline play ✓ (best) —
Controller support Not published Not published
Specs
Genre Not published Not published
Minimum iPadOS Not published Not published
Our review
Pros
  • Campaign spans 11 worlds and more than 300 levels.
  • Seed Packets upgrade plant attacks, defenses, speed, and abilities.
  • Includes Arena, endless zones, mini-games, quests, and daily events.
  • Offers 3v3 and 5v5 team battles plus solo and duo Showdown
  • Includes distinct PvP modes such as Gem Grab, Brawl Ball and Heist
  • Adds seasonal rewards, limited-time events and player-designed maps
Cons
  • Ads and in-app purchases are part of the free-to-play model.
  • Some features may require Wi-Fi despite offline play support.
  • Arena competition and other modes may not suit solo-only players.
  • Online matches mean it does not support offline play
  • Brawlers require unlocking and upgrading to access their abilities
  • Optional in-app purchases include virtual items
Our verdict

Plants vs. Zombies 2 is a free-to-play tower-defense game from Electronic Arts for iOS and Android. Players deploy plant units to defend against zombie waves, then collect and upgrade plants as they progress. Its campaign travels across 11…

Read the review →

Brawl Stars is a free-to-download mobile action game from Supercell, centered on short online player-versus-player matches. It suits players looking for quick competitive sessions, whether they want to join team battles or play solo or duo…

Read the review →
  1. Plants vs. Zombies 2Free iPad Games 9.3Free plan
  2. Brawl StarsFree iPad Games 8.9Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Plants vs. Zombies 2 — where it wins

    • Campaign spans 11 worlds and more than 300 levels.
    • Seed Packets upgrade plant attacks, defenses, speed, and abilities.
    • Includes Arena, endless zones, mini-games, quests, and daily events.

    Where it doesn't

    • Ads and in-app purchases are part of the free-to-play model.
    • Some features may require Wi-Fi despite offline play support.
    • Arena competition and other modes may not suit solo-only players.

  • Brawl Stars — where it wins

    • Offers 3v3 and 5v5 team battles plus solo and duo Showdown
    • Includes distinct PvP modes such as Gem Grab, Brawl Ball and Heist
    • Adds seasonal rewards, limited-time events and player-designed maps

    Where it doesn't

    • Online matches mean it does not support offline play
    • Brawlers require unlocking and upgrading to access their abilities
    • Optional in-app purchases include virtual items
  • Plants vs. Zombies 29.3/10 · Free plan

    A free tower-defense campaign with extensive levels, upgrades, events, and competitive play.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • Brawl Stars8.9/10 · Free plan

    A free-to-download action game built around quick online matches and varied PvP modes.

    Visit Brawl StarsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All free ipad games comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update