# Cypher vs Action Codenames

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Cypher at 88% against Action Codenames's 0%. Cypher also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.0) and update cadence (every 3 days vs every 3 weeks). Action Codenames's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cypher sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. Action Codenames asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cypher holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cypher has 14 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 88% of Cypher's written reviews are positive against 0% of Action Codenames's.

Cypher ships an update every 3 days, Action Codenames every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cypher | Action Codenames |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (14 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cypher-covert-word-game/id1450912146/reviews)** | [3.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/action-codenames/id6748104731/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **14** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | **87.5% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 1 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Pitou Technologies, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/990789831) | [梦成 李](https://appshunter.io/developer/1821210608) |

## What reviewers say

### Cypher

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cypher-covert-word-game/id1450912146)

A secret word guessing game where players use a single word and a number to communicate clues. Connect with friends locally or stream the game to a larger screen for group play.

**Highlights:** Single word and number clues, Local multiplayer, Apple TV streaming, Secret word guessing

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium tip | $4.99 | one-time |
| Large tip | $9.99 | one-time |


### Action Codenames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/action-codenames/id6748104731)

A fast-paced, team-based word association game for parties and gatherings. Players give and guess clues based on a 5x5 grid of words, aiming to identify their team's secret words before the opposing team or hitting a losing card. Offers offline play and multiple languages.

**Highlights:** Team-based word association gameplay, 5x5 grid of secret words, Spymaster clue-giving mechanic, Offline play support, Multilingual options, Built-in rules and strategy tips

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cypher free?

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

### Is Action Codenames free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cypher or Action Codenames?

Cypher is rated higher. Cypher averages 4.6 out of 5 from 14 ratings, while Action Codenames averages 3.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Cypher or Action Codenames have ads?

Neither Cypher nor Action Codenames shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cypher or Action Codenames?

Cypher ships an update every 3 days, and Action Codenames every 3 weeks. Most recently, Cypher was updated on September 21, 2026 and Action Codenames on September 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.*