# Pencil Puzzles vs Line Puzzle

The clearest difference is update cadence: Line Puzzle at fortnightly against Pencil Puzzles's every 13 months. Line Puzzle also leads on ratings volume (12K vs 274). Pencil Puzzles's advantage is review sentiment (85% vs 71%) and iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.0). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pencil Puzzles sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Line Puzzle sells 11 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Pencil Puzzles holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Line Puzzle has 12K ratings behind it against 274, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Pencil Puzzles's written reviews are positive against 71% of Line Puzzle's.

Pencil Puzzles ships an update every 13 months, Line Puzzle fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pencil Puzzles | Line Puzzle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (274 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-puzzles/id548959444/reviews)** | [4.4 (12K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/line-puzzle-string-art/id1433103489/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 274 | **12K** |
| Positive reviews | **84.9% of reviews** | 71.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 28 MB | 191 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Calvin Nutter](https://appshunter.io/developer/1643716215) | [BitMango, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465882936) |

## What reviewers say

### Pencil Puzzles

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pencil-puzzles/id548959444)

Engage your mind with challenging logic puzzles. Trace intricate images without retracing lines or lifting your finger. Test your problem-solving skills with this addictive brain-teaser.

**Highlights:** Trace images without lifting finger, No retracing lines, Challenging brain-teasers, Logic puzzles, Addictive gameplay

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock All Puzzles | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🧩 Engaging and challenging puzzle gameplay
- 😌 Relaxing and stress-relieving experience
- 🎮 Fun and addictive mechanics
- 🧠 Mentally stimulating and brain-sharpening
- ✏️ Great stylus/Apple Pencil support

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Overly sensitive line detection
- 😤 Frustrating false error messages
- 💰 Paywall at level 50-51
- 📺 Ads interrupt gameplay
- ⏳ Limited lasting appeal and replayability

**Reported bugs**

- Line detection too strict - rejects valid traces
- False positives for line overlap detection
- Inconsistent error messages about line proximity
- App stuck on permission/ad preference screen
- Finger wavering causes unintended restarts

**Requested features**

- More puzzle levels (most frequent request)
- Line snapping or guided tracing to reduce sensitivity issues
- Option to remove ads with one-time payment
- Increased difficulty progression
- Finger guidance or stabilization feature


### Line Puzzle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/line-puzzle-string-art/id1433103489)

Connect and weave lines to create intricate string art designs. This relaxing puzzle game offers hundreds of unique levels with stunning visuals and soothing sounds. Play at your own pace with no time limits or penalties.

**Highlights:** Drag and connect lines, Create string art shapes, Hundreds of unique levels, No Wi-Fi needed, No time limits or penalties, Stunning graphics and sounds

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 Hints | $0.99 | one-time |
| Adfree | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter Package | $1.99 | one-time |
| Christmas Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Oak Art | $3.99 | one-time |
| Acacia Art | $3.99 | one-time |
| Spruce Art | $3.99 | one-time |
| 55 Hints | $4.99 | one-time |
| Birch Package | $4.99 | one-time |
| 110 Hints | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hallerbos | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Engaging and relaxing gameplay
- 👍 Fun and challenging puzzles
- 👍 Helpful hint system
- 👍 Visually appealing string art

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Too many ads interrupting gameplay
- 🔍 Ads too frequent, even in paid version
- 🔍 Difficulty progression too slow
- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes

**Reported bugs**

- Hint button too close to reset button
- Puzzle progress not saved after app crashes
- Ads sometimes cover UI, preventing interaction

**Requested features**

- More challenging and varied puzzles
- Option to start at higher difficulty levels
- Ability to replay completed puzzles
- Improved ad-free experience


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pencil Puzzles free?

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

### Is Line Puzzle free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Pencil Puzzles or Line Puzzle?

Pencil Puzzles is rated higher. Pencil Puzzles averages 4.6 out of 5 from 274 ratings, while Line Puzzle averages 4.4 from 12K ratings.

### Do Pencil Puzzles or Line Puzzle have ads?

Both Pencil Puzzles and Line Puzzle show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pencil Puzzles or Line Puzzle?

Pencil Puzzles ships an update every 13 months, and Line Puzzle fortnightly. Most recently, Pencil Puzzles was updated on October 23, 2026 and Line Puzzle on October 27, 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.*