# Aurora Hex vs Criss Cross Colors

The clearest difference is update cadence: Aurora Hex at every 2 months against Criss Cross Colors's every 20 months. Aurora Hex also leads on iOS requirement (10.0 vs 12.6). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Aurora Hex sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Criss Cross Colors sells 7 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Aurora Hex ships an update every 2 months, Criss Cross Colors every 20 months. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Aurora Hex | Criss Cross Colors |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-hex-pattern-puzzles/id1459035496/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 84.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 months** | Every 20 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 94 MB | 38 MB |
| Requires iOS | **10.0** | 12.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Final Game Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1222315343) | [PLAYTOUCH](https://appshunter.io/developer/608330754) |

## What reviewers say

### Aurora Hex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/aurora-hex-pattern-puzzles/id1459035496)

A calming puzzle game where players connect matching pieces to reveal intricate hidden patterns. Enjoy thousands of unique challenges with a serene visual style and relaxing music. The difficulty gradually increases, with a helpful hint system available.

**Highlights:** Link matching pieces, Discover hidden patterns, Thousands of unique puzzles, Serene visual style, Soothing background music, Gradual difficulty curve, Hint system

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small Hint Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock All Areas | $1.99 | one-time |
| Medium Hint Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Large Hint Pack | $13.99 | one-time |
| Huge Hint Pack | $26.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Challenging yet enjoyable puzzles
- 🎨 Relaxing and soothing visuals
- 🧠 Engaging brain exercise
- 🕰️ Satisfying sense of progress
- 💰 Good value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Difficulty distinguishing similar patterns
- 🧭 Lack of ability to scroll when zoomed in
- 📺 Excessive ads (some non-functional)
- 🔇 Limited sound/music customization

**Reported bugs**

- Blank screen when opening the app
- Ads not working as intended
- Automatic reversion of data sharing setting

**Requested features**

- Ability to disable data sharing
- Option to remove ads for a fee
- Improved hint system to avoid identical swaps
- Ability to view full completed puzzle


### Criss Cross Colors

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/criss-cross-colors/id6447558746)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (7)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 diamonds | $0.99 | one-time |
| 300 diamonds | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove all ADS from the game | $2.99 | one-time |
| 550 diamonds | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1200 diamonds | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2500 diamonds | $19.99 | one-time |
| 4000 diamonds | $29.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Aurora Hex free?

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

### Is Criss Cross Colors free?

Criss Cross Colors is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Aurora Hex or Criss Cross Colors have ads?

Both Aurora Hex and Criss Cross Colors show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Aurora Hex or Criss Cross Colors?

Aurora Hex ships an update every 2 months, and Criss Cross Colors every 20 months. Most recently, Aurora Hex was updated on November 3, 2026 and Criss Cross Colors on November 3, 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.*