# Block Chess vs Cryptogram

The clearest difference is price: Cryptogram at Free against Block Chess's $0.99. Cryptogram also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 11 months). Block Chess's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and iOS requirement (10.0 vs 16.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Cryptogram is free to download; Block Chess costs $0.99 up front. Cryptogram sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Block Chess asks for nothing beyond the download.

Block Chess ships an update every 11 months, Cryptogram every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 19, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Block Chess | Cryptogram |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Size | 24 MB | 556 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Shen Zhongyuan](https://appshunter.io/developer/385090494) | [Rory Wilkes](https://appshunter.io/developer/1827504563) |

## What reviewers say

### Block Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/block-chess/id1155867312)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Cryptogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-word-code-games/id6748829714)

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly-Trial | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly | $12.99 | per month |
| Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Lifetime | $59.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Block Chess free?

Block Chess costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Cryptogram free?

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

### Do Block Chess or Cryptogram have ads?

Neither Block Chess nor Cryptogram shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Block Chess or Cryptogram?

Block Chess ships an update every 11 months, and Cryptogram every 5 days. Most recently, Block Chess was updated on September 15, 2026 and Cryptogram on September 19, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*