Comparison

Laddergrams vs Cryptogram IQ

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Laddergrams

This word game challenges you to solve puzzles by transforming words. Each answer is formed by dropping a letter from its left neighbor, creating a word ladder. Enjoy numerous puzzles with audio and animation, plus unlimited hints.

Highlights
  • Word ladder puzzles
  • Letter dropping mechanic
  • Audio and animation
  • Unlimited hints
  • Multiple puzzle books
Features
Read full description

Laddergrams is the classic and beloved word game enjoyed by magazine puzzlers for years—-and now it's on iOS for the first time! Laddergrams are like crossword puzzles with numbered clues you solve by writing the answer into the proper spot in the puzzle. Unlike crossword puzzles, though, Laddergrams are arranged into rows of three answers. And there's a twist: answers are formed by dropping a letter from their left neighbors, like TABLE > BEAT > ATE. Enjoy tons of puzzles beautifully presented in stunning audio and animation, with unlimited hints and help tips. Kind words: “Comfort Food for Gray Matter! These games are a flashback to nearly 60 years ago, sitting at my mother's knee as she helped me figure out the Laddergrams in Dell magazines. These are just as clever - the puns are great and bring a giggle when solved. Have tried to limit myself to one or two games a day so that they'll last longer but they're just too fun. Instead I've gone back and erased the answers so that I can play them again. Also want to mention the superb customer service provided. I had occasion to email with a concern and received a response almost immediately (from a human being; not a form letter!) And the follow-up emails were timely and appreciated. Thank you, John. This is chicken soup for my aging brain.” "Perfect! Addictive!—This game is a treat. Get it. You won't be able to put it down. Great way to dig up those old synonyms! For the lovers of words and puzzles!" "Addictive—I am really enjoying the puzzles. I liked the free puzzles, and purchased books 1,2,3, and 4...This is a very fun puzzle." "I am new to Laddergrams. If you like a challenge as much as I do, you will love Laddergrams. It is everything a game should be hard, fun, and a puzzle with a twist! Get your friends playing and challenge each other this game is such a blast!"

About

Cryptogram IQ

Decode cryptic ciphers and solve word puzzles by connecting letters and numbers. Use logic and clues to decipher hidden quotes and expand your vocabulary. This game offers thousands of challenges to test your word search and logic skills.

Highlights
  • Decode cryptic ciphers
  • Solve cross-logic puzzles
  • Connect letters and numbers
  • Decrypt hidden quotes
  • Enhance logic skills
  • Expand vocabulary
Features
Read full description

Cryptogram IQ is a word puzzle that challenges you to decode cryptic ciphers, make connections between letters and numbers, and figure out each clue to complete the cross-logic puzzles. In this game, you crack the code, connect the correct letters, and complete the decoding process of quotes using clues. You need to use your logic skills to hunt for hidden letters in clues and words that have associations to decipher each quote. Decrypt hidden quotes in thousands of puzzles and become the crypto master. How to Play: - Your main objective is to decipher the quotes by finding the right letters. - Utilize clues and words like definitions and sayings to find letters. - The correct letters auto-fill throughout the puzzle. - Pay attention to filling in the main quote dashes. Game Features: - Cryptograms enhance logic and word search skills with each puzzle solved. - Learn new words and expand your vocabulary while playing daily! - User-friendly crossword game for adults. - The quotes have been carefully selected and verified to ensure they are error free. Get ready to explore the cryptogram challenge and search for inspirational quotes in this zen word puzzle game! Download Now!

Screenshots

Laddergrams4 screens
Cryptogram IQ4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Laddergrams at none against Cryptogram IQ's shown. Laddergrams also leads on iOS requirement (9.3 vs 12.0). Cryptogram IQ's advantage is review sentiment (83% vs 64%) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Laddergrams sells 6 one-off in-app purchases and Cryptogram IQ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Laddergrams against 4.6 for Cryptogram IQ. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 110 and 216 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 64% of Laddergrams's written reviews are positive against 83% of Cryptogram IQ's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Laddergrams ships an update every 6 weeks, Cryptogram IQ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Laddergrams versus Cryptogram IQ: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterLaddergramsCryptogram IQ
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (110 ratings) — better4.6 (216 ratings)
Positive reviews64.0% of reviews83.3% of reviews — better
Number of ratings110216 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS9.3 — better12.0
Further details — not scored
Size9 MB65 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperJohn BlackburnMegarama Games Ltd

Customer experience

Laddergrams

All ratings110 ratings
Positive92.7%
Neutral4.5%
Negative2.7%
Written reviews25 reviews
Positive64.0%
Neutral16.0%
Negative20.0%

Cryptogram IQ

All ratings216 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral6.5%
Negative4.6%
Written reviews36 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral11.1%
Negative5.6%

Bugs and requests

Laddergrams

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Cryptogram IQ

Reported bugs

1 issue
  • App faulty, won't open after reaching a certain level

In-app purchases

6 purchases

Laddergrams

One-time6
  • Book 1$1.99
  • Book 2$1.99
  • Book 3: Halloween$1.99
Show 3 more
  • Book 4$1.99
  • Book 5$1.99
  • Book 6: Animals$1.99
1 purchases

Cryptogram IQ

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$9.99

Questions

Is Laddergrams free?
Laddergrams is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cryptogram IQ free?
Cryptogram IQ is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Laddergrams or Cryptogram IQ?
Laddergrams is rated higher. Laddergrams averages 4.7 out of 5 from 110 ratings, while Cryptogram IQ averages 4.6 from 216 ratings.
Do Laddergrams or Cryptogram IQ have ads?
Cryptogram IQ shows ads; Laddergrams does not.
Which is updated more often, Laddergrams or Cryptogram IQ?
Laddergrams ships an update every 6 weeks, and Cryptogram IQ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Laddergrams was updated on October 14, 2026 and Cryptogram IQ on October 18, 2026.

Other comparisons