# Str8ts HD vs Cracking the Cryptic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Cracking the Cryptic at 72% against Str8ts HD's 50%. Cracking the Cryptic also leads on rating (4.4 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (208 vs 7). Str8ts HD's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 13.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Str8ts HD sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cracking the Cryptic holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 208 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 50% of Str8ts HD's written reviews are positive against 72% of Cracking the Cryptic's.

## The numbers

| Metric | Str8ts HD | Cracking the Cryptic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.1 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/str8ts-hd/id1086373811/reviews) | **[4.4 (208 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 7 | **208** |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | **72.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | — | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 19 MB | 234 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scanraid Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1420000829) | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) |

## What reviewers say

### Str8ts HD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/str8ts-hd/id1086373811)

A logic-based number puzzle game that offers a fresh challenge beyond Sudoku. It requires strategic placement of numbers in rows and columns, with unique 'straight' rules in designated cells. Progress through various difficulty levels with thousands of puzzles.

**Highlights:** Thousands of puzzles across 4 difficulty levels, Unique 'straight' rule compartments, Unlimited undo/redo functionality, Two input modes for notes and solutions, Best solution time tracking, Interactive tutorial and rules explanations

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock 200 puzzles | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 1000 puzzles | $2.99 | one-time |


### Cracking the Cryptic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934)

This app offers a curated collection of handcrafted Sudoku puzzles from world-renowned constructors. Explore classic and unique variants, with new puzzle packs released regularly. A free introductory pack is included with download.

**Highlights:** Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles, Curated by expert constructors, Classic and unique variants, Regularly released puzzle packs, Free introductory puzzle pack

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CTC Worms - James Sinclair | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Marty Sears | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Zetamath | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Blobz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz | $1.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Phistomefel | $1.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| GAS Volume #2 | $2.99 | one-time |
| CTC Approachable Sudoku #1 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Domino Sudoku Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Lines Variety Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Classic Volume #2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| CTC Fog Pack #1 | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best sudoku app
- 👍 Great variety of puzzles
- 👍 Excellent user interface
- 👍 Challenging and fun puzzles
- 👍 Constant updates with new puzzles

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Hints are often incorrect or unhelpful
- 🐛 Bugs and crashes, especially after updates
- 🔋 Battery draining issues
- 🔒 Too many in-app purchases required to access content

**Reported bugs**

- Puzzle progress and purchases disappearing after updates
- Incorrect rules or hints in certain puzzles
- Crashes and freezes, especially on older devices or Macs
- Inconsistent behavior when switching between portrait and landscape modes

**Requested features**

- Add more color options for pencil marking and highlighting
- Implement a way to clear progress or start puzzles from scratch
- Integrate all CTC apps into a single app for better organization
- Add keyboard support, especially on Mac
- Improve the quality and clarity of hints


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Str8ts HD free?

Str8ts HD is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cracking the Cryptic free?

Cracking the Cryptic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Str8ts HD or Cracking the Cryptic?

Cracking the Cryptic is rated higher. Str8ts HD averages 4.1 out of 5 from 7 ratings, while Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 from 208 ratings.

### Do Str8ts HD or Cracking the Cryptic have ads?

Neither Str8ts HD nor Cracking the Cryptic shows ads.

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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.*