# Cracking the Cryptic vs Zetamath

The clearest difference is rating: Zetamath at 4.9 against Cracking the Cryptic's 4.4. Zetamath also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 13) and review sentiment (100% vs 72%). Cracking the Cryptic's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (208 vs 11). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. Zetamath asks for nothing beyond the download.

Zetamath holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 208 ratings behind it against 11, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Cracking the Cryptic's written reviews are positive against 100% of Zetamath's.

Cracking the Cryptic ships an update every 3 weeks, Zetamath every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and July 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cracking the Cryptic | Zetamath |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (208 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cracking-the-cryptic/id1629992934/reviews) | **[4.9 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zetamath/id6448931370/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **208** | 11 |
| Positive reviews | 72.1% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 234 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nick Carney](https://appshunter.io/developer/1434235673) | [Ali Hussain](https://appshunter.io/developer/1687011607) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Zetamath

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zetamath/id6448931370)

Sharpen your mental math and sequence identification skills with engaging games. Practice arithmetic and complete number patterns to improve everyday calculations and prepare for exams. Enjoy multiplayer modes and track your progress.

**Highlights:** Arithmetic game, Sequences game, Customizable difficulty, Multiplayer mode, Progress tracking, Dark mode

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cracking the Cryptic free?

Cracking the Cryptic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Zetamath free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cracking the Cryptic or Zetamath?

Zetamath is rated higher. Cracking the Cryptic averages 4.4 out of 5 from 208 ratings, while Zetamath averages 4.9 from 11 ratings.

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

Zetamath shows ads; Cracking the Cryptic does not.

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

Cracking the Cryptic ships an update every 3 weeks, and Zetamath every 6 days. Most recently, Cracking the Cryptic was updated on September 26, 2026 and Zetamath on July 8, 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.*