# Ouroboros vs Cracking the Cryptic

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ouroboros at none against Cracking the Cryptic's 13. Ouroboros also leads on review sentiment (85% vs 72%). Cracking the Cryptic's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 5 months). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Ouroboros asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ouroboros holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 210 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Ouroboros's written reviews are positive against 72% of Cracking the Cryptic's.

Ouroboros ships an update every 5 months, Cracking the Cryptic every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ouroboros | Cracking the Cryptic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ouroboros-infinity-puzzle/id1153775037/reviews)** | [4.4 (210 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 10 | **210** |
| Positive reviews | **84.6% of reviews** | 72.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 111 MB | 234 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [OA+ LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1153775036) | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) |

## What reviewers say

### Ouroboros

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ouroboros-infinity-puzzle/id1153775037)

Connect block pieces to form loops and score points in this addictive puzzle game. Inspired by classic brain training challenges, it offers endless ways to test your logic and creativity. Unlock new themes and compete with friends on the global leaderboard.

**Highlights:** Connect block pieces, Form and complete loops, Offline play, Unlockable themes, Global leaderboard, Relaxing gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### 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 Ouroboros free?

Ouroboros is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cracking the Cryptic free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Ouroboros or Cracking the Cryptic?

Ouroboros is rated higher. Ouroboros averages 4.6 out of 5 from 10 ratings, while Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 from 210 ratings.

### Do Ouroboros or Cracking the Cryptic have ads?

Ouroboros shows ads; Cracking the Cryptic does not.

### Which is updated more often, Ouroboros or Cracking the Cryptic?

Ouroboros ships an update every 5 months, and Cracking the Cryptic every 3 weeks. Most recently, Ouroboros was updated on October 21, 2026 and Cracking the Cryptic on October 24, 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.*