# Codenames vs Bandido

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bandido at none against Codenames's 1. Bandido also leads on price ($2.99 vs $4.99) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 15.0). Codenames's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 5 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.3). On ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Codenames costs $4.99 and Bandido $2.99 up front. Codenames sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Bandido asks for nothing beyond the download.

Codenames holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Codenames has 1.1K ratings behind it against 9, 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 50% of Bandido's.

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, Bandido every 5 months. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codenames | Bandido |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $4.99 | **$2.99** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews)** | [4.3 (9 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bandido/id1590716175/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 9 |
| Positive reviews | **66.3% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 5 months |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#9** | — |
| Size | 221 MB | 131 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **10.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) | [Helvetiq SA](https://appshunter.io/developer/1851484637) |

## What reviewers say

### Codenames

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

**Currently charting:** #9 Top Paid · Puzzle, #11 Top Paid · Board, #93 Top Paid · Games, #146 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 (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


### Bandido

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bandido/id1590716175)

A cooperative strategy game where players work together to block a prisoner's escape route through tunnels. Easy to learn, it offers quick setup and engaging gameplay for families.

**Highlights:** Cooperative gameplay, Strategy and route building, Family-friendly, Quick to learn rules, Card-based mechanics

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codenames free?

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

### Is Bandido free?

Bandido costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

Codenames is rated higher. Codenames averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Bandido averages 4.3 from 9 ratings.

### Do Codenames or Bandido have ads?

Neither Codenames nor Bandido shows ads.

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

Codenames ships an update fortnightly, and Bandido every 5 months. Most recently, Codenames was updated on October 18, 2026 and Bandido on October 6, 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.*