# Cryptogram vs Cipher Genius

The clearest difference is ads: Cipher Genius at none against Cryptogram's shown. Cipher Genius also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 67%). Cryptogram's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.5) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 3 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Cryptogram holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cryptogram has 763 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of Cryptogram's written reviews are positive against 100% of Cipher Genius's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Cryptogram ships an update every 2 weeks, Cipher Genius every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cryptogram | Cipher Genius |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (763 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-word-puzzle-master/id6670599725/reviews)** | [4.5 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipher-genius/id6753089895/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **763** | 2 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 178 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 18.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Guru Future Holding Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693569117) | [Smartphone Design Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/298734749) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### Cipher Genius

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipher-genius/id6753089895)

Crack colorful emoji-style ciphers with a modern, intuitive design. Enjoy hundreds of puzzles, from quick lists to full quotes, with no ads or timers. Play offline and at your own pace.

**Highlights:** Emoji-style cipher tiles, Hundreds of puzzles, Two puzzle styles (lists and long answers), Three difficulty levels, No ads or timers, Offline play, Portrait and landscape modes, Accessibility features

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Food & Drink | $3.99 | one-time |
| Music | $3.99 | one-time |
| Humor & Wit | $3.99 | one-time |
| Word Play | $3.99 | one-time |
| Geography & Travel | $3.99 | one-time |
| Quotations | $3.99 | one-time |
| History & Legends | $3.99 | one-time |
| Nature & Science | $3.99 | one-time |
| Young At Heart | $3.99 | one-time |
| Ultimate Collection | $24.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cryptogram free?

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

### Is Cipher Genius free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cryptogram or Cipher Genius?

Cryptogram is rated higher. Cryptogram averages 4.9 out of 5 from 763 ratings, while Cipher Genius averages 4.5 from 2 ratings.

### Do Cryptogram or Cipher Genius have ads?

Cryptogram shows ads; Cipher Genius does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cryptogram or Cipher Genius?

Cryptogram ships an update every 2 weeks, and Cipher Genius every 3 months. Most recently, Cryptogram was updated on October 12, 2026 and Cipher Genius on October 1, 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.*