# Words vs Word Stacks

The clearest difference is ads: Words at none against Word Stacks's shown. Words also leads on iOS requirement (6.0 vs 15.0). Word Stacks's advantage is update cadence (every 2 months vs every 16 months) and ratings volume (178K vs 12). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

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

Word Stacks holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Word Stacks has 178K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 73% of Words's written reviews are positive against 82% of Word Stacks's.

Words ships an update every 16 months, Word Stacks every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Words | Word Stacks |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/words/id515099628/reviews) | **[4.9 (178K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-stacks/id1413942319/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 12 | **178K** |
| Positive reviews | 73.3% of reviews | **81.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 16 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#82** |
| Size | 19 MB | 279 MB |
| Requires iOS | **6.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Horizon Business, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/431586531) | [PeopleFun, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/517840947) |

## What reviewers say

### Words

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/words/id515099628)

Test your word skills with this fun game. Choose from numerous categories and difficulty levels to master your vocabulary. The app offers a vast collection of words to explore and enjoy.

**Highlights:** 9,000+ free words, 26 word categories, Customizable difficulty, Selectable backgrounds, Master the game

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |


### Word Stacks

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-stacks/id1413942319)

**Currently charting:** #82 Top Grossing · Word (US App Store)

Exercise your brain with this addictive word puzzle game. Swipe to find hidden words, solve puzzles with clues, and unlock new themes. It offers thousands of levels and power-ups to help you progress.

**Highlights:** Swipe to find hidden words, Puzzles with clues, Evolving levels, Over 3000 levels, Power-ups available, Unlockable themes and backgrounds, Collect bonus words

**Features:** iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| XS Coin Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starter Kit | $1.99 | one-time |
| S Coin Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Coins Bonus Offer | $2.99 | one-time |
| Piggy Bank | $3.99 | one-time |
| M Coin Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Big Bundle | $5.99 | one-time |
| Coins Bonus Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Super Bundle | $12.99 | one-time |
| Huge Bundle | $24.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 🧠 Mentally stimulating
- 👍 Relaxing and fun
- 🧠 Helps expand vocabulary
- 👍 Balanced difficulty progression

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 🙄 Repetitive puzzles and word choices
- 🤖 Suspected bot activity in tournaments
- 🤔 Lack of response from support

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezing and crashing
- Issues with earning and redeeming coins
- Ads interfering with gameplay

**Requested features**

- Option to turn off background music
- Free shuffling of letters
- Skill-based matchmaking for tournaments
- Save progress across devices
- More varied puzzle themes and word choices


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Words free?

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

### Is Word Stacks free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Words or Word Stacks?

Word Stacks is rated higher. Words averages 4.7 out of 5 from 12 ratings, while Word Stacks averages 4.9 from 178K ratings.

### Do Words or Word Stacks have ads?

Word Stacks shows ads; Words does not.

### Which is updated more often, Words or Word Stacks?

Words ships an update every 16 months, and Word Stacks every 2 months. Most recently, Words was updated on October 7, 2026 and Word Stacks on October 23, 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.*