# The Big Crossword vs Cryptical

The clearest difference is ads: Cryptical at none against The Big Crossword's shown. Cryptical also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). The Big Crossword's advantage is device support (3 vs 1). On price, in-app purchases and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. The Big Crossword sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Cryptical sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The Big Crossword ships an update every 3 weeks, Cryptical weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 26, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | The Big Crossword | Cryptical |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (43 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-big-crossword/id1488394476/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **43** | — |
| Positive reviews | 82.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 13 MB | 11 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Teazel](https://appshunter.io/developer/576525182) | [Benjamin Law Smith](https://appshunter.io/developer/6800681102) |

## What reviewers say

### The Big Crossword

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-big-crossword/id1488394476)

Engage with massive, single-grid crossword puzzles featuring over 1300 clues. Choose between quest-based or classic modes, with helpful hints and a mini-grid to guide you. Sharpen your wits with cryptic clues in this challenging brain game.

**Highlights:** Massive single-grid crosswords, Over 1300 clues per grid, Quest mode with 80+ quests, Classic crossword mode, Hint system (reveal letters, word), Mini-grid navigation, Cryptic clues

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove adverts | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Huge, challenging puzzles
- 🧠 Great for brain stimulation
- 💡 Variety of clue types (cryptic, normal)
- 👍 Easy to use interface
- 💰 Reasonable one-time purchase for ad removal

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😩 Too many ads
- ❄️ App freezes/crashes after third puzzle
- 🍪 Cookie consent pop-ups
- 🇬🇧 Some UK-centric spellings/clues
- 🤷 Cryptic clues can be confusing/nonsensical

**Reported bugs**

- App freezes and becomes unresponsive after completing the third puzzle
- App crashes after completing the third puzzle, no win screen
- Reopening the app after a crash results in a frozen app
- Game locks on to an ad, requiring device restart

**Requested features**

- More crosswords/puzzles
- Landscape mode option
- Sequel or more releases
- Infinite scrolling puzzles
- Ability to listen to music in background


### Cryptical

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptical/id6800680958)

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No. 1C by Linden | $0.29 | one-time |
| No. 2 by Vytautus | $0.29 | one-time |
| No. 3 by Vytautus | $0.29 | one-time |
| No. 4 by Vytautus | $0.29 | one-time |
| Dogs by Linden | $0.29 | one-time |
| Mammals by Linden | $0.29 | one-time |
| Insects by Linden | $0.29 | one-time |
| No. 6 by Doc | $0.49 | one-time |
| Hint and explanation token top up | $0.49 | one-time |
| Animal-themed (x5) by Linden | $0.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is The Big Crossword free?

The Big Crossword is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Cryptical free?

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

### Do The Big Crossword or Cryptical have ads?

The Big Crossword shows ads; Cryptical does not.

### Which is updated more often, The Big Crossword or Cryptical?

The Big Crossword ships an update every 3 weeks, and Cryptical weekly. Most recently, The Big Crossword was updated on October 26, 2026 and Cryptical 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.*