Cracking the Cryptic vs OneUpPuzzleLite
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Cracking the Cryptic
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.
- Handcrafted Sudoku puzzles
- Curated by expert constructors
- Classic and unique variants
- Regularly released puzzle packs
- Free introductory puzzle pack
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OUR NEWEST PACK – CLASSIC VOLUME #2! Classic sudoku is where it all began, and there is still lots of skill to be deployed to solve classic puzzles, and new techniques to be explored. Nikoli, the Japanese puzzle house, named and popularised sudoku from 1984, and we have commissioned 20 puzzles from them for this Classic Sudoku 2 app. We have also created 20 ourselves, and sourced 20 more from Sam Cappleman-Lynes, the brilliant British sudoku expert. The result is a wonderful 60-puzzle pack which will delight and challenge you. -------------------- Welcome to the brand new Sudoku app from the most popular Sudoku channel, Cracking The Cryptic. Unlike other Sudoku apps, we feature handcrafted and curated puzzles from the world’s best Sudoku constructors. Each collection features puzzles made by various authors that are now familiar names to those who follow the channel. Authors like Phistomefel, Clover, Sam Cappleman-Lynes, Christoph Seeliger, Richard Stolk, jovi_al, Qodec, Prasanna Seshadri and of course, Simon and Mark! Downloading Cracking the Cryptic will give you access to our first free collection – a variety pack by Prasanna Seshadri featuring 7 puzzles inspired from our previous Sudoku apps; Sandwich, Classic, Chess, Thermo, Miracle, Killer and Arrow Sudoku. We also have purchasable packs designed for all skill levels and featuring many unique variants not seen previously. We’ll be releasing more free and paid packs in the future so keep an eye on the app for more Sudoku content from Cracking The Cryptic!
OneUpPuzzleLite
Engage your mind with a collection of logic-based number puzzles. This app offers a satisfying deduction experience with unique solutions and varying difficulty levels, perfect for both beginners and puzzle enthusiasts. Enjoy offline play anytime, anywhere.
- 40 handpicked puzzles
- Unique solutions
- Variety of difficulty levels
- Offline play
- 5x5 to 8x8 grid sizes
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Discover the Joy of Logic with OneUpPuzzle Lite Start your puzzle-solving journey with OneUpPuzzle Lite, the perfect introduction to the world of number puzzles. Enjoy a selection of carefully crafted puzzles designed to challenge your mind and provide a satisfying deduction experience. Features: 40 Handpicked Puzzles: Enjoy 40 engaging puzzles that range in size from 5x5 to 8x8 grids, offering just the right mix of challenge and fun. Unique Solutions: Each puzzle comes with a single, unique solution, ensuring a fair and rewarding puzzle-solving experience. Variety of Difficulty Levels: Whether you're new to puzzles or looking for a fresh challenge, OneUpPuzzle Lite provides puzzles that suit all skill levels. Offline Play: Solve puzzles at your convenience, anywhere, anytime, even without an internet connection. Perfect for those looking to dip their toes into the world of number puzzles, OneUpPuzzle Lite offers a taste of the full OneUpPuzzle experience. Download now and see if you have what it takes to master these logical challenges. Download OneUpPuzzle Lite Today and Start Your Deduction Journey!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OneUpPuzzleLite at none against Cracking the Cryptic's 13. Cracking the Cryptic's advantage is rating (4.4 vs 4.0) and ratings volume (208 vs 8). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Cracking the Cryptic sells 13 one-off in-app purchases. OneUpPuzzleLite asks for nothing beyond the download.
Cracking the Cryptic holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cracking the Cryptic has 208 ratings behind it against 8, 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 60% of OneUpPuzzleLite's.
Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 6, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Cracking the Cryptic | OneUpPuzzleLite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (208 ratings) — better | 4.0 (8 ratings) |
| Positive reviews | 72.1% of reviews — better | 60.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 208 — better | 8 |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 — better | 16.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 234 MB | 18 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Nick Carney | KoolUncle |
Customer experience
Cracking the Cryptic
OneUpPuzzleLite
Bugs and requests
Cracking the Cryptic
Reported bugs
4 issues- 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
5 requests- 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
OneUpPuzzleLite
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Cracking the Cryptic
- CTC Worms - James Sinclair$0.99
- CTC Worms - Marty Sears$0.99
- CTC Worms - Zetamath$1.99
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- CTC Worms - Blobz$1.99
- CTC Worms - Michael Lefkowitz$1.99
- CTC Worms - Phistomefel$1.99
- GAS Volume #1$2.99
- GAS Volume #2$2.99
- CTC Approachable Sudoku #1$2.99
- Domino Sudoku Pack$4.99
- Lines Variety Pack$4.99
- Classic Volume #2$4.99
- CTC Fog Pack #1$4.99
OneUpPuzzleLite
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Cracking the Cryptic free?
Is OneUpPuzzleLite free?
Which has better reviews, Cracking the Cryptic or OneUpPuzzleLite?
Do Cracking the Cryptic or OneUpPuzzleLite have ads?
Which is updated more often, Cracking the Cryptic or OneUpPuzzleLite?
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