# Cross vs Stack and Shatter

The clearest difference is ads: Cross at none against Stack and Shatter's shown. Cross also leads on ratings volume (328 vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). Stack and Shatter's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 4 months). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cross sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Stack and Shatter sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Stack and Shatter holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cross has 328 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Cross ships an update every 4 months, Stack and Shatter every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cross | Stack and Shatter |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (328 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cross-a-pix-nonogram-crosses/id1076628341/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stack-and-shatter/id6759916699/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **328** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 86.3% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 8 MB | 13 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Conceptis Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/479420055) | [Brian Solomon](https://appshunter.io/developer/1847626540) |

## What reviewers say

### Cross

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cross-a-pix-nonogram-crosses/id1076628341)

Solve logic puzzles by painting squares and filling regions to reveal hidden pixel-art pictures. Offers a mix of deduction, art, and fun with adjustable grid sizes and helpful tools for precise gameplay. Enjoy weekly bonus puzzles and track your progress.

**Highlights:** Reveal pixel-art pictures, Logic-based puzzle solving, Zoom and clue-locking options, Fingertip cursor for precision, Weekly bonus puzzles, Graphic puzzle progress previews, Unlimited hints and undo

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| DualClue - Snacks 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| DualClue - Snacks 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| SingleClue - Snacks 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| SingleClue - Variety 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| DualClue - Variety 1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| DualClue - Variety 2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| DualClue - Variety 3 | $2.99 | one-time |
| SingleClue - Large 1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| DualClue - Large 1 | $3.99 | one-time |
| DualClue - Large 2 | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and addictive puzzles
- 🧠 Challenging brain exercises
- 💻 Great implementation and user interface
- 🕰 Relaxing and meditative gameplay
- 🎨 Enjoyable visual puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive puzzle packs
- 🤖 Repetitive rating prompts
- 🔢 Lack of free content after initial packs
- 🔍 Confusing ruler/clue system
- 🤔 Puzzles can be too difficult

**Reported bugs**

- Screen freezing issues
- Puzzle ordering problems
- Inappropriate puzzle themes

**Requested features**

- More free puzzle content
- Option to disable rating prompts
- Improved clue/ruler display
- Ability to save/resume puzzles
- Zoom functionality for larger puzzles


### Stack and Shatter

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stack-and-shatter/id6759916699)

A precision stacking game where timing is crucial for building combos and multiplying your score.  Navigate increasingly challenging levels with escalating speeds and risk-reward mechanics. Enjoy satisfying visual and haptic feedback as you aim for the top of the leaderboards.

**Highlights:** Precision block stacking, Combo system with score and speed multipliers, 100 levels across 10 themed zones, Dynamic visual and haptic feedback, Game Center leaderboards, Offline play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 500 Shards | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| 2000 Shards | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cross free?

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

### Is Stack and Shatter free?

Stack and Shatter is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Cross or Stack and Shatter?

Stack and Shatter is rated higher. Cross averages 4.8 out of 5 from 328 ratings, while Stack and Shatter averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Cross or Stack and Shatter have ads?

Stack and Shatter shows ads; Cross does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cross or Stack and Shatter?

Cross ships an update every 4 months, and Stack and Shatter every 2 months. Most recently, Cross was updated on November 2, 2026 and Stack and Shatter on October 31, 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.*