# Pictogram vs Cryptogram

Pictogram and Cryptogram both sit at 4.8 stars, but that hides the real split: 67% of Cryptogram's written reviews are positive against 47% of Pictogram's. Cryptogram also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Pictogram's advantage is ratings volume (2.7K vs 774). On price, rating, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pictogram sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Cryptogram sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for Pictogram against 4.9 for Cryptogram. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.7K and 774 respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 47% of Pictogram's written reviews are positive against 67% of Cryptogram's.

Pictogram ships an update weekly, Cryptogram every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pictogram | Cryptogram |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.8 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pictogram-picture-cryptogram/id6479693511/reviews) | **[4.9 (774 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-word-puzzle-master/id6670599725/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **2.7K** | 774 |
| Positive reviews | 46.9% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 535 MB | 178 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [FunFusion Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1736916954) | [Guru Future Holding Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693569117) |

## What reviewers say

### Pictogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pictogram-picture-cryptogram/id6479693511)

Engage your mind with unique visual puzzles that reveal hidden idioms and phrases. Explore new gameplay modes like Fog Mode and Icon Mode for a fresh decoding experience. This app offers a fun way to boost vocabulary and visual reasoning for all ages.

**Highlights:** Picture-based idiom puzzles, Fog Mode for gradual image reveal, Icon Mode for symbol decoding, Night Mode and Large Text options, Logic, language, and lateral thinking challenges

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HANDFUL OF COINS | $0.99 | one-time |
| STARTER PACK | $1.99 | one-time |
| PIGGYBANK TREASURE | $2.99 | one-time |
| PILE OF COINS | $2.99 | one-time |
| 20 Hints | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| SIGHTSEER SET | $5.99 | one-time |
| NO ADS | $5.99 | one-time |
| NO ADS BUNDLE | $9.99 | one-time |
| TOURIST SET | $12.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun game
- 👍 Easy way to pass time

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Too many ads
- 🐛 Pictures do not match puzzle
- 🐛 Issues with puzzle configuration

**Reported bugs**

- Ads causing errors during gameplay
- Inconsistent puzzle and picture matching

**Requested features**

- Check puzzle and picture matching
- Reduce ad frequency


### Cryptogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-word-puzzle-master/id6670599725)

This game challenges your logic and vocabulary by having you decipher encoded quotes. Use contextual clues and letter patterns to reveal hidden messages and learn English expressions. Enjoy endless puzzles and a mental workout anytime, anywhere.

**Highlights:** Decode hidden messages, Decrypt letter substitution ciphers, Use contextual clues, Reveal encoded phrases, Utilize hints for assistance, Vast library of quotes, Offline gameplay

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock Decades of Hits | $5.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads Permanently | $7.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and engaging gameplay
- 💡 Variety of word puzzles
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay experience
- 👍 Aesthetically pleasing

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Difficulty distinguishing numbers
- 🐛 Ads not removed despite paid option
- 🐛 Ads covering gameplay elements
- 🐛 Small font and text size

**Reported bugs**

- Unable to progress to next level
- Ads preventing access to game modes

**Requested features**

- Option to turn off auto-scroll
- Move ads off the gameplay area


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pictogram free?

Pictogram 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, Pictogram or Cryptogram?

Cryptogram is rated higher. Pictogram averages 4.8 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Cryptogram averages 4.9 from 774 ratings.

### Do Pictogram or Cryptogram have ads?

Both Pictogram and Cryptogram show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Pictogram or Cryptogram?

Pictogram ships an update weekly, and Cryptogram every 2 weeks. Most recently, Pictogram was updated on November 8, 2026 and Cryptogram on November 4, 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.*