# Chess Master vs Cracking the Cryptic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Cracking the Cryptic at 72% against Chess Master's 0%. Cracking the Cryptic also leads on price (Free vs $19.99) and rating (4.4 vs 1.0). Chess Master's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 13). On ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Cracking the Cryptic is free to download; Chess Master costs $19.99 up front. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Chess Master asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cracking the Cryptic holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 210 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 0% of Chess Master's written reviews are positive against 72% of Cracking the Cryptic's.

Chess Master ships an update every 11 months, Cracking the Cryptic every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Master | Cracking the Cryptic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $19.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-master-ultimate-guide/id1260988707/reviews) | **[4.4 (210 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1 | **210** |
| Positive reviews | 0.0% of reviews | **72.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 11 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 43 MB | 234 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Sergiy Kurash](https://appshunter.io/developer/1781967191) | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Master

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-master-ultimate-guide/id1260988707)

Master chess strategy and tactics with a vast collection of over 4600 unique puzzles, problems, and studies. Perfect for players of all levels looking to improve their game through instructive positions from grandmaster matches.

**Highlights:** 4600+ unique chess problems, Train chess strategy, Improve theoretical positions, Study instructive gaming positions, Endgame practice, Grandmaster game analysis

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**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 Chess Master free?

Chess Master costs $19.99, 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, Chess Master or Cracking the Cryptic?

Cracking the Cryptic is rated higher. Chess Master averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 from 210 ratings.

### Do Chess Master or Cracking the Cryptic have ads?

Neither Chess Master nor Cracking the Cryptic shows ads.

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

Chess Master ships an update every 11 months, and Cracking the Cryptic every 3 weeks. Most recently, Chess Master was updated on October 11, 2026 and Cracking the Cryptic on October 20, 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.*