# Astraware CodeWords vs Countless Calming Cryptograms

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Countless Calming Cryptograms at none against Astraware CodeWords's 13. Countless Calming Cryptograms also leads on update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 weeks) and rating (4.9 vs 4.7). Astraware CodeWords's advantage is ratings volume (162 vs 22). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Astraware CodeWords sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Countless Calming Cryptograms asks for nothing beyond the download.

Countless Calming Cryptograms holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Astraware CodeWords has 162 ratings behind it against 22, 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 100% of Countless Calming Cryptograms's.

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, Countless Calming Cryptograms every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Astraware CodeWords | Countless Calming Cryptograms |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (162 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astraware-codewords/id592704252/reviews) | **[4.9 (22 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/countless-calming-cryptograms/id6495967067/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **162** | 22 |
| Positive reviews | 87.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 37 MB | 89 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Astraware Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/392328106) | [David Michael Chatelain](https://appshunter.io/developer/1740866481) |

## 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


### Countless Calming Cryptograms

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/countless-calming-cryptograms/id6495967067)

Engage your logic and puzzle-solving skills with this word game. Decipher quotes by substituting letters, offering a relaxing mental workout. Enjoy daily challenges, endless puzzles, and customizable serene landscapes.

**Highlights:** Cryptogram puzzle solving, Daily and endless game modes, Hint system with Lotus Points, Customizable backgrounds and themes, Offline play capability, Brain training and logic development

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Astraware CodeWords free?

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

### Is Countless Calming Cryptograms free?

Countless Calming Cryptograms is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Astraware CodeWords or Countless Calming Cryptograms?

Countless Calming Cryptograms is rated higher. Astraware CodeWords averages 4.7 out of 5 from 162 ratings, while Countless Calming Cryptograms averages 4.9 from 22 ratings.

### Do Astraware CodeWords or Countless Calming Cryptograms have ads?

Both Astraware CodeWords and Countless Calming Cryptograms show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Astraware CodeWords or Countless Calming Cryptograms?

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, and Countless Calming Cryptograms every 9 days. Most recently, Astraware CodeWords was updated on October 16, 2026 and Countless Calming Cryptograms on October 7, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*