# Sudoku Master Edition vs GridSmash

The clearest difference is review sentiment: GridSmash at 100% against Sudoku Master Edition's 63%. GridSmash also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sudoku Master Edition sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. GridSmash asks for nothing beyond the download.

Sudoku Master Edition ships an update every 3 weeks, GridSmash every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sudoku Master Edition | GridSmash |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (7.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-master-edition/id1260190370/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **7.9K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 63.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 120 MB | 12 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Hoolatron Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1260190369) | [Thomas Halls](https://appshunter.io/developer/1871928935) |

## What reviewers say

### Sudoku Master Edition

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sudoku-master-edition/id1260190370)

This app offers a comprehensive Sudoku experience with numerous customization options, multiple game modes, and difficulty levels. It features a minimalist design, daily challenges, and Apple Pencil integration for a pen-and-paper feel.

**Highlights:** Customizable themes and fonts, Multiple game modes (Lightning, Mistake, Classic, Zen), 5 difficulty levels, Adjustable grid styles, Note-taking and highlighting features, Apple Pencil integration, Daily reminders and auto-complete

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Theme Credit | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app for sudoku
- 👍 Fun game
- 👍 Best design and master level is actually hard
- 👍 Intuitive controls
- 👍 Customizable

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 App freezes and crashes
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- 🐛 Handwriting recognition problems
- 🐛 Puzzle difficulties are inconsistent
- 🐛 Ads are disruptive and hard to close

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes after completing puzzles
- Handwriting recognition issues with certain numbers
- Saved games disappearing
- Inconsistent behavior when using pencil input
- Inability to enter wrong numbers

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Ability to import custom puzzles
- More themes and color options
- Improved undo/redo functionality
- Ability to differentiate user-entered numbers from pre-filled numbers


### GridSmash

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gridsmash/id6761014566)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sudoku Master Edition free?

Sudoku Master Edition is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is GridSmash free?

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

### Do Sudoku Master Edition or GridSmash have ads?

Sudoku Master Edition shows ads; GridSmash does not.

### Which is updated more often, Sudoku Master Edition or GridSmash?

Sudoku Master Edition ships an update every 3 weeks, and GridSmash every 2 days. Most recently, Sudoku Master Edition was updated on October 24, 2026 and GridSmash on October 25, 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.*