# Astraware CodeWords vs Word Search

The clearest difference is update cadence: Word Search at every 2 weeks against Astraware CodeWords's every 6 weeks. Word Search also leads on ratings volume (3.4K vs 166). Astraware CodeWords's advantage is review sentiment (87% vs 76%). On price, rating, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Astraware CodeWords sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Word Search sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Astraware CodeWords holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Word Search has 3.4K ratings behind it against 166, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 87% of Astraware CodeWords's written reviews are positive against 76% of Word Search's.

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, Word Search every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Astraware CodeWords | Word Search |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (166 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astraware-codewords/id592704252/reviews)** | [4.5 (3.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-search-hidden-words/id1443448520/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 166 | **3.4K** |
| Positive reviews | **87.4% of reviews** | 76.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 2 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 37 MB | 190 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Astraware Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/392328106) | [BitMango, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465882936) |

## What reviewers say

### Astraware CodeWords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astraware-codewords/id592704252)

This word puzzle game challenges you to crack a secret code by substituting numbers for letters in a crossword-style grid. Use logic and vocabulary to decipher words and climb the global leaderboard.

**Highlights:** Number-to-letter substitution puzzles, Daily and Weekender puzzles, 50 built-in puzzles, Extra puzzle streams, Intuitive interface, Highlighting for letter consistency, Manual and auto-fill options

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

**In-app purchases (13)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Puzzles Plus | $1.99 | per month |
| Puzzles Plus | $2.99 | per 3 months |
| Puzzles Plus | $7.99 | per year |
| Fun-size Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Family Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tough Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Easy Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Tough Pack 2 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Vacation Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ad-Free Daily Puzzles | $4.99 | one-time |
| Deluxe Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Deluxe Pack 2 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Calendar Pack 2017 | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Enjoyable and mentally stimulating
- 🚀 Well-designed online puzzle
- 👍 Challenging but always enjoyable
- 👍 Great way to stimulate the brain
- 👍 Excellent puzzles, fun and addictive

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Inappropriate words in puzzles
- 🔋 Increased ads and longer durations
- 👎 Mandatory commercials ruin the experience
- 👎 Repetitive long words make it too easy
- 👎 Glitches and issues with latest update

**Reported bugs**

- Hints not adding correctly to time
- Game no longer loads after recent update
- Purchased puzzles and packs not available

**Requested features**

- More free puzzles made available daily
- Flashing empty space indicator for last letter
- Theme-based puzzles and more daily challenges
- Ability to opt-out of competitive leaderboard


### Word Search

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/word-search-hidden-words/id1443448520)

Engage your mind with a classic word search puzzle game. Discover hidden words across endless themed categories, perfect for all ages. Enjoy a relaxing, pressure-free experience with helpful hints and bonus rewards.

**Highlights:** Endless themed word search categories, Discover secret hidden words, Hints available for assistance, Bonus coins for finding words, No time limit or pressure, Play offline anytime, anywhere

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 240 coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $1.99 | one-time |
| 720 coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| 1320 coins | $4.99 | one-time |
| 2920 coins | $9.99 | one-time |
| 6240coins | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fun and addictive
- 👍 Helps with spelling and vocabulary
- 👍 Relaxing and challenging
- 👍 Great for brain exercise
- 👍 Easy to play

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 💰 Too many ads
- 🔋 Ads interrupt other activities
- 🔒 Paid version doesn't always remove ads
- 🔍 Lack of variety in word searches

**Reported bugs**

- Daily puzzle not working correctly
- Game resets to early levels
- Freezing and crashing issues
- Misspelled words in some puzzles

**Requested features**

- More advanced gameplay and levels
- Bigger and more complex word searches
- Ability to find unintentional words for extra points
- Option to turn off sound effects
- Ability to progress further without needing to pay


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Astraware CodeWords free?

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

### Is Word Search free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Astraware CodeWords or Word Search?

Astraware CodeWords is rated higher. Astraware CodeWords averages 4.7 out of 5 from 166 ratings, while Word Search averages 4.5 from 3.4K ratings.

### Do Astraware CodeWords or Word Search have ads?

Both Astraware CodeWords and Word Search show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Astraware CodeWords or Word Search?

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, and Word Search every 2 weeks. Most recently, Astraware CodeWords was updated on November 1, 2026 and Word Search on October 24, 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.*