Laddergrams vs Cryptogram IQ
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- Word ladder puzzles
- Letter dropping mechanic
- Audio and animation
- Unlimited hints
- Multiple puzzle books
Read full descriptionHide 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!"
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.
- Decode cryptic ciphers
- Solve cross-logic puzzles
- Connect letters and numbers
- Decrypt hidden quotes
- Enhance logic skills
- Expand vocabulary
Read full descriptionHide 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
Verdict
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
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.
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.
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.
| Parameter | Laddergrams | Cryptogram IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.7 (110 ratings) — better | 4.6 (216 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | 83.3% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 110 | 216 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 9.3 — better | 12.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 9 MB | 65 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | John Blackburn | Megarama Games Ltd |
Customer experience
Laddergrams
Cryptogram IQ
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
Laddergrams
- Book 1$1.99
- Book 2$1.99
- Book 3: Halloween$1.99
Show 3 moreShow fewer
- Book 4$1.99
- Book 5$1.99
- Book 6: Animals$1.99
Cryptogram IQ
- Remove Ads$9.99









