# Crostix vs Cryptogram IQ

The clearest difference is ads: Crostix at none against Cryptogram IQ's shown. Cryptogram IQ's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Crostix sells 15 one-off in-app purchases and Cryptogram IQ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Crostix ships an update every 4 months, Cryptogram IQ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Crostix | Cryptogram IQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[4.6 (216 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-iq-word-master/id6480098884/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **216** |
| Positive reviews | 81.3% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 78 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Brian Mountford](https://appshunter.io/developer/317783633) | [Megarama Games Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/987479598) |

## What reviewers say

### Crostix

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/crostix/id317783630)

Engage with word puzzles where letters from answers form a hidden quote. This free version offers sample puzzles and hints, with options to unlock more content through in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Automatic letter placement, Hint system for letters or words, Score tracking based on hints, Adjustable font size, Device rotation support

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

**In-app purchases (15)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Crostix Book Ten | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Eleven | $0.99 | one-time |
| Guest Author: Gordon Frakes 2 | $0.99 | one-time |
| The Golden Treasury | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Two | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Three | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Four | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Five | $1.99 | one-time |
| Guest Author: Gordon Frakes | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Six | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Eight | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Book Nine | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Free Book Seven | $1.99 | one-time |
| HeadLines | $1.99 | one-time |
| Crostix Big Book | $2.99 | one-time |


### Cryptogram IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-iq-word-master/id6480098884)

Decode cryptic ciphers and solve word puzzles by connecting letters and numbers. Use logic and clues to decipher hidden quotes and expand your vocabulary. This game offers thousands of challenges to test your word search and logic skills.

**Highlights:** Decode cryptic ciphers, Solve cross-logic puzzles, Connect letters and numbers, Decrypt hidden quotes, Enhance logic skills, Expand vocabulary

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and enjoyable gameplay
- 🧠 Keeps brain sharp and challenged
- 💡 New and different from other games
- 😌 Relaxing experience
- 🤔 Makes you think outside the box

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😵 Endless and overwhelming ads
- 💰 High cost to remove ads
- 🔄 Repetitive with few games

**Reported bugs**

- App faulty, won't open after reaching a certain level


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Crostix free?

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

### Is Cryptogram IQ free?

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

### Do Crostix or Cryptogram IQ have ads?

Cryptogram IQ shows ads; Crostix does not.

### Which is updated more often, Crostix or Cryptogram IQ?

Crostix ships an update every 4 months, and Cryptogram IQ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Crostix was updated on October 16, 2026 and Cryptogram IQ on October 10, 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.*