# Puzzazz Crossword & Puzzle — user reviews > 69 indexed App Store user reviews of Puzzazz Crossword & Puzzle by Puzzazz, rated 3.80/5 from 122 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puzzazz-crossword-and-puzzle/id516440494/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/puzzazz-crossword-and-puzzle/id516440494.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 67 · 4★ 18 · 3★ 7 · 2★ 8 · 1★ 22 ## Newest reviews (14 of 69) ### 3/5 — Free Daily Sudoku AND KenKen working again *2025-04-07, version 6.2.1* When this app works, it’s great! The Free Daily Sudoku had been broken, for me, for a very long time. Not sure why it suddenly works again since the app hasn’t been updated in years, but I’ll take it. I’m still hesitant to add any paid subscriptions given the apparent lack of maintenance. ### 4/5 — Puzzazz *2024-09-02, version 6.2.1* Took me long time to figure out cryptic crosswords, but this app is sooo much fun and highly recommended!! The authors are amazing and really write such quality puzzles!! Like nothing I’ve ever experienced!!! Five stars!! Looking forward to the pleasure and fun this app gives!! Great work!!!! ### 3/5 — Free Daily Sudoku AND KenKen broken *2023-07-01* Sudoku hasn’t worked since the end of January; now, the free daily KenKen is defunct as of July 1. Any hope of reviving them? I used to play both of these every day. And the overall app hasn’t been updated in a very long time, which makes me hesitant to add any paid puzzle subscriptions… wish there was any information forthcoming. ### 3/5 — Undisclosed limitations *2023-02-04* Not sure if the issue below was ever addressed - I gave up on that. But I’m increasing my rating anyway because I’ve enjoyed the diagramless puzzles. New issue: Free Daily Sudoku has been broken for several days. Prior comments: I loved this app until I began trying to open many of the puz files I've collected over the years. It imposes limits on what files you can open. No NYT before 2013, and apparently no WSJ at all? I guess I just have to wonder every time I go to open a puzzle whether Puzzazz will accept it. ### 4/5 — The Best Crossword App *2023-02-01* Puzzazz remains the app of choice for downloaded crosswords. Unfortunately, the NY Times no longer allows their puzzles to be downloaded to Puzzazz, so the app description is outdated in that respect. Plenty of other constructors download in .puz format, so there is more than enough to work on. My only gripe with the app itself is that it doesn't sync across devices. If they could solve that, this would be a 5-star review. Come on guys, it can't be that hard! ### 4/5 — best crossword solving app *2022-07-10* This is the best crossword and other puzzle app, in my opinion. The UI is really good - you can see the clues list and the grid in portrait mode even on a mini iPhone screen! And entering letters is very smooth with keyboard or pencil (or finger). It plays a nice hurrah sound when you finish. The puzzle books are good quality. I just wish it synced progress and/or imported puzzles between devices (could use iCloud???). For that reason, I still use the Standalone Crossword app sometimes, but it is unpleasant. Otherwise, Puzzazz would be 5 stars. ### 4/5 — Overall great, but I wish it would do something when I win! *2022-06-17* Enjoy the user interface and especially touch write with my Apple Pencil, works very well. However, once I finish a crossword, I wish it would play some music or do something visual or both indicate that I won… The New York Times crossword app does this as well and I like it… I like your app that’s amazing volume of puzzles. Just give me a Tada or something when I win lol…. I need that positive reinforcement. Also, is your integration with the New York Times permanently broken? Keep up the great work… And maybe think about giving me some sort of spinning widgets and cheesy music when I win…😎. **Developer response:** There is a tiny bit of music (we kept it super short). Go to settings to turn it on or choose one, or tap on the musical note in the red or green bar. On the NYT, if you have access to a .puz file of a NYT crossword, you can import it into Puzzazz and solve it. As far as direct downloads go, the NYT stated in 2021 that they were dropping support for the Across Lite app. Despite the fact that we're not the Across Lite app and have nothing to do with that app or the company that created it, they blocked us as well. We wish it wasn't the case. ### 2/5 — Can't log into NYT via Google *2021-12-20, version 6.2.1* You can let the app developer know that this app doesn’t comply with Google’s embedded webview policy. ### 4/5 — A bit frustrating but has it where it counts *2021-09-11* I somehow only discovered Puzzazz a year or so ago, but since then it's been steadily feeding my cryptic crosswords addiction, and will do so until I run through the rest of its collection (an alarmingly close prospect). I dip occasionally into some of the many other kinds of puzzles it supports, typically regular crosswords and cryptograms, and I'll probably branch out more once I run out of the cryptics. Fortunately, I can also import cryptics from elsewhere on the web, although the tools to do so are clumsy. Speaking of which, tools and controls in general are the iffiest part of this app. I wouldn't go so far as to call the user interface unusable, but it is uncomfortable. Buttons are laid out in awkward formations. It's difficult to see whether I'm writing in "pen" or "pencil," and I almost never manage to hit the control to switch between them on the first try. The handwriting recognition gets it wrong just a little bit too often to leave it turned on. And so forth. A small number of improvements could make the app vastly easier to use, but it's clear they're not going to happen at this stage. And yet that's a relatively minor point, because the app is certainly usable, and more importantly, it can handle a remarkable range of puzzles, including a surprising amount of support for the unexpected curve balls puzzle builders like to throw at you. Its puzzle collections are easy to purchase and reasonably priced. (Why, though, why, why can it sync your purchases to other devices, but not your puzzle progress?) All in all, a bit of a pain in the neck to use but makes up for it by being terrific where it counts the most. ### 4/5 — Fun and easy to use *2021-09-08, version 6.2* Some freely puzzles. Would prefer subscription available to cover all puzzles. I’m waiting for it! ### 4/5 — Very Good App - One Suggestion *2021-07-02* I have just started using this app and find it delightful. There is one improvement I would like to see - having the option to see one clue at a time. This would allow the keyboard to be bigger and allow more room for the grid as well. The NYTimes crossword app does this and on an iPhone with its screen it’s much easier to use. **Developer response:** Tap on the gear icon at the top and you'll find an option to make the keyboard larger. Thanks for the feedback. ### 3/5 — Could be so great with Apple Pencil *2021-06-28* I've been looking for a crossword app that works with Apple Pencil. Although this app offers writing recognition, it is FRUSTRATING to use. Resting your hand on the screen (which is natural) switches to another clue. Touching the Apple Pencil to the box switches between the horizontal and vertical clues. The app also has a hard time recognizing my writing, even after modifying my strokes per the suggestions in the help section. I hope they continue to update this app with better writing functionality. This app could be so great! **Developer response:** All you have to do is write larger. You don't have to write in the boxes — you can write anywhere on top of the grid and what you write will go into the currently selected cell. ### 3/5 — Needs dark mode *2020-07-08, version 6.2* It’s great for crosswords. Adding dark mode would bump this up to five stars in my opinion ### 5/5 — The best crossword app *2020-06-01, version 6.2* I've tried many xword apps, and this is the best. I love the Touchwrite handwriting system. Stable, supports all kinds of variations and special features, occasional freebies... It has everything. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — They send you political emails *2024-11-08, version 6.2.1* If you buy you’re subscribing to them sending exhortations to vote for their candidates. Only company I’ve seen do that. I voted for the candidate they want but hate the idea that companies are going to start sending us political emails. So I deleted this app, unsubscribed from their emails and switched to black ink. It works just as well and is politics free ### 1/5 — Politics with a Puzzle? *2024-10-30, version 6.2.1* I generally liked the app. Used it daily. Then I got a vile political e-mail from the app with partisan puzzles. Not how I like to relax at the end of the day. App deleted. ### 1/5 — Using an Apple Pencil is an exercise in frustration *2023-06-02* I've set the writing speed to slow, I've read the docs on how I should write the letters (which is a HUGE strike against the app - I have to write letters a specific way?) and it simply doesn't work. No matter what I do, chances are if I need a straight line anywhere in the letter, it's gonna show up as an "I" and if I need something round, it's gonna be either an "O" or an "S". Apps like GoodNotes allow you to lift your pencil from the "page" - ie: normal writing - so it's certainly possible from a technical standpoint. Why we're stuck with something like TouchWrite that simply does not work is beyond me. If the devs want to address this or point out what I might be doing wrong, I'll consider revising my rating but as it stands, the app is literally unusable with an Apple Pencil. ### 1/5 — WAS HOPEFUL…. *2022-08-27, version 6.2.1* Unfortunately I have the iPad mini and the newest Apple Pencil and cannot write my own letters and numbers, doodles…etc…I am having a very hard time finding an app that is user friendly for those of us that are not tech savvy but would like to use the Apple Pencil for what it is for…I love crosswords and word searches and have recently dabbled with sudoku and other games….this has a great selection of puzzles. Excellent for those who want to use the keyboard versus the pencil itself. ### 1/5 — Have to read a guide just to write on the screen *2022-07-10, version 6.2.1* Ease of use = 0. Looked at the handwriting recognition guide and as soon I saw that they suggest you write the letter E like backwards 3 I came here to leave this review. Shameful. Lots of potential in the app, but the fact that I can’t just sit down and intuitively write with the pencil is pathetic. ### 1/5 — Trash for Apple Pencil *2020-12-28, version 6.2* I saw an article online that said you could use the Apple Pencil with the crossword puzzles but you can’t. It doesn’t show what you’re writing it just guesses a random letter and puts it in the square. I don’t get why it’s so hard to make a crossword app that u can use the pencil in ### 1/5 — Can't use Google login for NYT crosswords *2020-02-08, version 6.1.1* Downloaded to solve NYT crosswords, but the app does not support signing into NYT with a Google account. Attempting to do so gives a disallowed_useragent error so I can't use my existing subscription. ### 1/5 — Stupid, worthless app *2019-09-05, version 6.0.2* It's one giant advertisement. Don't waste your time. ### 1/5 — All about getting your money. *2019-04-09* 1 free puzzle then put your hand in your pocket. Also the sound is overly loud. **Developer response:** There are hundreds of free puzzles, at least one in every book, plus a free daily Sudoku and KenKen every day. And, yes, we'd like you to buy some puzzles. They're not expensive. The tradeoff is a fantastic experience with no ads. ### 1/5 — Apple Pencil - no help section *2018-11-21* I have at length looked for tutorials of how to use the Apple Pencil with the different puzzles on Puzzazz but have yet to find one, and while most of the writing technique is pretty intuitive, I’m extremely frustrated that there is not an easily find-able guide to how to write letters and numbers for each type of puzzle and what might be the most efficient way to use the Pencil on each puzzle. The only reason to use this app is because you want to utilize your Pencil while playing games making the omission of a help section especially problematic, hence the one star review. It would be a five star review if this matter was addressed. **Developer response:** Tap the ? on the top of the home to access our extensive help. "Handwriting Recognition" is the second item. Open that for complete documentation on how our TouchWrite handwriting recognition work, including how to best use the Apple Pencil with your iPad Pro and what letter forms work best. With regard to your specific question about how best to use the Apple Pencil in each puzzle type, the Pencil (or your finger) works the same in every puzzle. This is one of the strengths of Puzzazz — just like with paper, you don't have to learn new methods for each type of puzzle. Just write naturally. Please let us know if there's anything you think is missing from that documentation. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Great App *2026-01-23, version 6.2.1* The app works great, there's good support, and the stuff for sale is well priced, and not pushed on you. What more can you ask? ### 5/5 — Great support! *2025-12-28* I just reported a server issue, and got a fix in less than 2 hours on a Saturday evening!! I think it's been years since I got that level of support. 🎉 As a new user, I was a bit concerned about the lack of updates. But that's a great thing for folks who can't upgrade their devices to newer iOS versions. The app works great - I love the intuitive TouchWrite entry system. I can keep my eyes on the puzzle at all times. The fact that their app continues to work well across the iOS versions is a clear indicator of the quality of the programming. ### 5/5 — Perfect for .puz files *2024-07-16* Needed a app to open crossword competitions. Perfect for the job 👍 ### 5/5 — Enjoy this app *2023-02-06, version 6.2.1* I am glad I can do puzzles daily in retirement. This is budget friendly for me. ### 5/5 — Enjoy this app *2023-02-03, version 6.2.1* I am glad I can do puzzles daily in retirement. This is budget friendly for me. ### 5/5 — My favorite puzzle app! *2022-11-16* Puzzazz is great for doing cryptic crosswords on. I’ve never encountered a bug on the app. It’s super easy to browse and buy more puzzles. User interface is easy to figure out, and the layout is great. My only request: can we have a dark mode option? ### 5/5 — What happened? I don’t know but it’s fixed *2022-02-22* I’m was no longer able to download/open puzzles from Brendan Emmett Quigley; they always worked before (for years) and they open in the “Crossword” app. I got a message saying to contact the author, which I did. Author said Roy would look into it - I missed the reply message. Roy did respond and fixed the problem in a timely manner. Thank you very much! ### 5/5 — I love Puzzazz *2021-09-17* This is the best app for crosswords I’ve ever found. It’s very intuitive and easy to use. It makes my crosswords even more fun because it has all the preferences I could want, and it presents the grid just as it is in print. It’s really the best crossword app on offer, and I’ve tried a LOT of them. ### 5/5 — Works in airplane mode *2021-08-18, version 6.2* I was an hour into a 5-hour flight when I discovered my ebook hadn’t downloaded correctly. Thank goodness my Puzzazz books worked perfectly. I recommend Puzzling Pairs, Drop Quotes, and Show me the Vowels to help the time fly. ### 5/5 — Great for US and UK store crosswords and more *2020-06-05* I enjoy using Puzzazz on a daily basis. First of all, it's a very good app for solving crosswords -- I find it very easy to solve with the user interface, much easier than alternatives. It has handwriting recognition for those who like that, but even my slow typing is better than my bad handwriting. Puzzazz also does a great job with tricky crosswords that use "rebuses" (more than one letter in a square to solve). Puzzazz lets you solve puzzles that you buy in the app (I highly recommend the UK-style cryptic crosswords from The Nation), it lets you solve your NYT puzzles in Puzzazz (NYT puzzle subscription required), and it even lets you import other .puz file crosswords into the app from independent crossword creators. For an app that brings a crossworder joy on a daily basis, it's a wonderful bargain and I can't recommend it enough. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*