# Astraware CodeWords vs Jigsaw Crossword

The clearest difference is update cadence: Astraware CodeWords at every 6 weeks against Jigsaw Crossword's every 6 months. Astraware CodeWords also leads on ratings volume (162 vs 49). Jigsaw Crossword's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, review sentiment 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 Jigsaw Crossword sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $4.99 per year. 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 Jigsaw Crossword. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 162 and 49 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 87% and 87% positive.

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, Jigsaw Crossword every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Astraware CodeWords | Jigsaw Crossword |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (162 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/astraware-codewords/id592704252/reviews) | **[4.8 (49 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jigsaw-crossword/id882323257/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **162** | 49 |
| Positive reviews | **87.4% of reviews** | 87.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 37 MB | 90 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) | [Havos](https://appshunter.io/developer/309789068) |

## 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


### Jigsaw Crossword

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jigsaw-crossword/id882323257)

Reconstruct crosswords by fitting lettered jigsaw pieces together. Offers extensive customization for grid size, difficulty, and language, with helpful game aids. Ideal for word puzzle enthusiasts looking for a unique challenge.

**Highlights:** Jigsaw piece crossword reconstruction, Unlimited customizable puzzles, Multiple difficulty levels, 36 downloadable language dictionaries, Adjustable grid size and orientation, Word definitions and language learning aid, High score tracking

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Supporter (no ads) | $4.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Astraware CodeWords free?

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

### Is Jigsaw Crossword free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Astraware CodeWords or Jigsaw Crossword?

Jigsaw Crossword is rated higher. Astraware CodeWords averages 4.7 out of 5 from 162 ratings, while Jigsaw Crossword averages 4.8 from 49 ratings.

### Do Astraware CodeWords or Jigsaw Crossword have ads?

Both Astraware CodeWords and Jigsaw Crossword show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Astraware CodeWords or Jigsaw Crossword?

Astraware CodeWords ships an update every 6 weeks, and Jigsaw Crossword every 6 months. Most recently, Astraware CodeWords was updated on October 20, 2026 and Jigsaw Crossword on October 21, 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.*