# Eterna vs Cracking the Cryptic

The clearest difference is rating: Cracking the Cryptic at 4.4 against Eterna's 3.7. Cracking the Cryptic also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 33%) and ratings volume (210 vs 15). Eterna's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Eterna asks for nothing beyond the download.

Cracking the Cryptic holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 210 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Eterna's written reviews are positive against 72% of Cracking the Cryptic's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Eterna | Cracking the Cryptic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.7 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eterna/id1513216417/reviews) | **[4.4 (210 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 15 | **210** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **72.1% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 188 MB | 234 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vital Mind Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/1513216416) | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) |

## What reviewers say

### Eterna

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/eterna/id1513216417)

Engage in a citizen science game to design RNA molecules for medical research. Solve puzzles to unlock lab access and contribute to inventing new medicines through challenges.

**Highlights:** Design RNA molecules, Solve scientific puzzles, Participate in medical research, Invent new medicines, Unlock lab access

**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 (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| CTC Worms - James Sinclair | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Marty Sears | $0.99 | one-time |
| CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz | $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 Eterna free?

Eterna is free to download, 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, Eterna or Cracking the Cryptic?

Cracking the Cryptic is rated higher. Eterna averages 3.7 out of 5 from 15 ratings, while Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 from 210 ratings.

### Do Eterna or Cracking the Cryptic have ads?

Neither Eterna nor Cracking the Cryptic shows ads.

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

Eterna ships an update every 3 weeks, and Cracking the Cryptic every 3 weeks. Most recently, Eterna was updated on November 3, 2026 and Cracking the Cryptic 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.*