# Cryptic Crossword vs Brainchain

The clearest difference is rating: Cryptic Crossword at 4.8 against Brainchain's 4.0. Cryptic Crossword also leads on ratings volume (1.1K vs 1) and device support (3 vs 1). Brainchain's advantage is monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cryptic Crossword sells 14 in-app purchases, starting at $12.99 per year and Brainchain sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Cryptic Crossword holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cryptic Crossword has 1.1K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Cryptic Crossword ships an update every 3 months, Brainchain every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and June 10, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cryptic Crossword | Brainchain |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptic-crossword/id661608021/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainchain/id6448923230/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 89.7% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 months** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 10 MB | 4 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.6** | 16.4 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Teazel](https://appshunter.io/developer/576525182) | [Baxnet Technologies Pte Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1549876573) |

## What reviewers say

### Cryptic Crossword

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptic-crossword/id661608021)

Engage with over 260 professional cryptic crosswords designed for experienced puzzle solvers. Enjoy a full-featured experience with 29 free puzzles, including pinch zooming, mistake highlighting, and resume functionality.

**Highlights:** 260+ professional cryptic crosswords, 29 free puzzles, Pinch zooming grid, Cheats and mistake highlighting, Resume functionality, Customizable preferences

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Yearly (best value) | $12.99 | per year |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 1) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 2) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 3) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 4) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 5) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 6) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 8) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 9) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 10) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Cryptic Crosswords (Pack 7) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack (Pack 13 with 20 puzzles) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack (Pack 12 with 20 puzzles) | $0.99 | one-time |
| get all 13 Cryptic packs | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great mind workout
- 👍 Excellent value for money
- 👍 Fantastic and addictive challenges
- 👍 Not too hard not too easy
- 👍 Excellent intro to cryptic crosswords

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional freezing and crashing issues
- 🐛 Backup/restore not working
- 🐛 Purchased puzzles disappearing after device change
- 🔍 Clues can be too easy or too obscure
- 🔍 Too many anagrams and hidden word clues

**Reported bugs**

- Backup/restore not working
- Purchased puzzles disappearing after device change
- Freezing and crashing issues

**Requested features**

- Ability to reset/replay puzzles
- More challenging puzzle packs
- Explanations/hints for clues
- Syncing progress across devices
- Graded difficulty levels


### Brainchain

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/brainchain/id6448923230)

Train your associative thinking with this fast-paced word game. Create a chain of six words, starting with a given word and associating each subsequent word to the previous one within a time limit. Broaden your thinking and improve your mood and creativity.

**Highlights:** Create 6-word word chains, Timed word association, Develop broader thinking, Improve mood and creativity, Review and share chains, Single common English words only

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited play | $2.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cryptic Crossword free?

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

### Is Brainchain free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cryptic Crossword or Brainchain?

Cryptic Crossword is rated higher. Cryptic Crossword averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Brainchain averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Cryptic Crossword or Brainchain have ads?

Neither Cryptic Crossword nor Brainchain shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Cryptic Crossword or Brainchain?

Cryptic Crossword ships an update every 3 months, and Brainchain every 4 months. Most recently, Cryptic Crossword was updated on September 26, 2026 and Brainchain on June 10, 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.*