# Codenames vs Matchicon

The clearest difference is price: Matchicon at Free against Codenames's $4.99. Matchicon also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 66%). Codenames's advantage is ratings volume (1.1K vs 17) and chart position (#17 vs unranked). On rating, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Matchicon is free to download; Codenames costs $4.99 up front. Codenames sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Matchicon sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Matchicon holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Codenames has 1.1K ratings behind it against 17, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 66% of Codenames's written reviews are positive against 100% of Matchicon's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Matchicon every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Matchicon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews) | **[4.9 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matchicon-3-in-1-puzzle-game/id1506307995/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 17 |
| Positive reviews | 66.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#17** | — |
| Size | 221 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [John Decker](https://appshunter.io/developer/1506307994) |

## What reviewers say

### Codenames

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

**Currently charting:** #17 Top Paid · Board, #32 Top Paid · Puzzle (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 (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Krycí jména: Duet | $4.99 | one-time |

**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


### Matchicon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/matchicon-3-in-1-puzzle-game/id1506307995)

This collection of puzzle games offers a modern interface and challenging gameplay across multiple levels. Enjoy hours of brain-exercising fun without ads, perfect for on-the-go entertainment. A free trial is included, with an option for unlimited play.

**Highlights:** Collection of 3 puzzle games, 5 levels of play per game, Easy to learn, challenging to master, Clean and modern interface, No ads, Offline gameplay, Free trial for unlimited play

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Game Play Limitations | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

Codenames costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Matchicon free?

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

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

Matchicon is rated higher. Codenames averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Matchicon averages 4.9 from 17 ratings.

### Do Codenames or Matchicon have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Matchicon shows ads.

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

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Matchicon every 3 weeks. Most recently, Codenames was updated on November 11, 2026 and Matchicon on November 3, 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.*