# Laddergrams vs Cryptogram IQ

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | Laddergrams | Cryptogram IQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (110 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laddergrams/id1133768652/reviews)** | [4.6 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-iq-word-master/id6480098884/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 110 | **216** |
| Positive reviews | 64.0% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 9 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.3** | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [John Blackburn](https://appshunter.io/developer/1637339755) | [Megarama Games Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/987479598) |

## What reviewers say

### Laddergrams

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/laddergrams/id1133768652)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Book 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 3: Halloween | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 5 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Book 6: Animals | $1.99 | one-time |


### Cryptogram IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-iq-word-master/id6480098884)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and enjoyable gameplay
- 🧠 Keeps brain sharp and challenged
- 💡 New and different from other games
- 😌 Relaxing experience
- 🤔 Makes you think outside the box

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😵 Endless and overwhelming ads
- 💰 High cost to remove ads
- 🔄 Repetitive with few games

**Reported bugs**

- App faulty, won't open after reaching a certain level


## Frequently asked 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.

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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.*