# Codenames vs Clue

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Codenames at none against Clue's 10. Codenames also leads on price ($4.99 vs $5.99). Clue's advantage is ratings volume (36K vs 1.1K) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). On rating, review sentiment, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Codenames costs $4.99 and Clue $5.99 up front. Clue sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Codenames asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Codenames against 4.7 for Clue. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Clue has 36K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 66% of Codenames's written reviews are positive against 59% of Clue's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Clue monthly. Both last shipped on October 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Clue |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **$4.99** | $5.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews) | [4.7 (36K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clue-classic-edition/id1150534552/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **36K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.3% of reviews** | 58.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#10** | #14 |
| Size | 221 MB | 832 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [Marmalade Game Studio Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/988365603) |

## What reviewers say

### Codenames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930)

**Currently charting:** #10 Top Paid · Board, #12 Top Paid · Puzzle, #104 Top Paid · Games, #163 Top Paid (US App Store)

Engage in a strategic word game of deduction and teamwork. Give one-word clues to help your team guess associated words before the opposing team. Enjoy a blend of casual fun and deep thinking with turn-based multiplayer matches.

**Highlights:** Turn-based multiplayer, One-word clue system, Teamwork and deduction, Multiple game modes, Spymaster and Operative roles, Logic and creativity challenges

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and intuitive gameplay
- 🎨 Excellent visual design
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🕹️ Engaging single-player modes
- 🤝 Enjoyable multiplayer experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Long wait times for other players
- 🌐 Connectivity issues and server problems
- 🌍 Cultural differences and language barriers
- 🔒 Restrictive clue-giving rules
- 🤖 Jury system allowing questionable words

**Reported bugs**

- Initial launch with only Czech language support
- Occasional app crashes and server disconnections

**Requested features**

- Add Codenames Duet mode
- Implement AI/bot players for faster games
- Allow custom word packs and themes
- Add a 'speed mode' for faster gameplay
- Improve the jury system to maintain game integrity


### Clue

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/clue-classic-edition/id1150534552)

**Currently charting:** #14 Top Paid · Puzzle, #15 Top Paid · Board, #128 Top Paid · Games (US App Store)

Step into the shoes of classic characters in this iconic murder mystery game. Explore a mansion in 3D, solve crimes with six suspects, six weapons, and nine rooms. Play against AI or challenge players worldwide online.

**Highlights:** Classic murder mystery gameplay, Iconic characters and rooms in 3D, Play against AI or online opponents, Private multiplayer for friends and family, Cross-platform multiplayer support, Online leaderboards

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Warning | $1.99 | one-time |
| Super Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Hollywood Theme | $6.99 | one-time |
| Vampire Theme | $6.99 | one-time |
| Snowy Peaks Theme | $6.99 | one-time |
| Masquerade Theme Bundle | $6.99 | one-time |
| Sherlock Theme | $6.99 | one-time |
| Tropical Mystery Theme | $6.99 | one-time |
| Murder Express Theme | $7.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate Detective's Package | $34.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great game
- 🎨 Seamless gameplay
- 🎨 Beautiful graphics
- 👍 Faithful to the board game
- 🎨 Automated gameplay features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🐛 Multiplayer issues and bugs
- 🤖 AI plays too perfectly
- 🔒 Lack of account/progress sync
- 🚫 Limited character/board selection without purchases

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezing/crashing during multiplayer
- Incorrect auto-fills on final accusation
- Purchased content not restoring properly
- Multiplayer lobby issues
- Inconsistent AI behavior

**Requested features**

- Randomized player starting positions
- Ability to mark revealed cards
- Expert mode with no auto-fills
- More game modes (speed, custom rules, etc.)
- Ability to chat with online players


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

Codenames costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Clue free?

Clue costs $5.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Codenames or Clue?

Codenames and Clue are both rated 4.7 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1.1K and 36K ratings respectively.

### Do Codenames or Clue have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Clue shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Codenames or Clue?

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Clue monthly. Most recently, Codenames was updated on October 2, 2026 and Clue on October 2, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Codenames or Clue?

Codenames currently peaks at #10 in the App Store charts, and Clue at #14. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*