# Astraware CodeWords vs Cryptogram +

The clearest difference is update cadence: Cryptogram + at every 5 days against Astraware CodeWords's every 6 weeks. Cryptogram + also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 87%) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Astraware CodeWords sells 13 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month and Cryptogram + sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.7 for Astraware CodeWords against 4.8 for Cryptogram +. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 162 and 91 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 87% of Astraware CodeWords's written reviews are positive against 100% of Cryptogram +'s.

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, Cryptogram + every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 18, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Astraware CodeWords | Cryptogram + |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (162 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astraware-codewords/id592704252/reviews) | **[4.8 (91 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-plus-cryptoquote-game/id6502898707/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **162** | 91 |
| Positive reviews | 87.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 37 MB | 71 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) | [Megarama Games Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/987479598) |

## 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


### Cryptogram +

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-plus-cryptoquote-game/id6502898707)

Decode intricate cipher quotes and crack codes by connecting letters and numbers. Solve unique daily puzzles to reveal hidden words and expand your vocabulary. This brain-testing game offers thousands of challenges for adults.

**Highlights:** Decode cipher quotes, Crack codes, Solve daily crypto puzzles, Expand vocabulary, Thousands of hand-picked quotes, Varying difficulty levels

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

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


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Astraware CodeWords free?

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

### Is Cryptogram + free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Astraware CodeWords or Cryptogram +?

Cryptogram + is rated higher. Astraware CodeWords averages 4.7 out of 5 from 162 ratings, while Cryptogram + averages 4.8 from 91 ratings.

### Do Astraware CodeWords or Cryptogram + have ads?

Both Astraware CodeWords and Cryptogram + show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Astraware CodeWords or Cryptogram +?

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, and Cryptogram + every 5 days. Most recently, Astraware CodeWords was updated on September 18, 2026 and Cryptogram + on September 22, 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.*