# Cryptogram vs Alpha

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Alpha at none against Cryptogram's 2. Alpha also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (100% vs 67%). Cryptogram's advantage is ratings volume (774 vs 10) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On price, rating and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cryptogram sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. Alpha asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.9 for Cryptogram against 5.0 for Alpha. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Cryptogram has 774 ratings behind it against 10, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 67% of Cryptogram's written reviews are positive against 100% of Alpha's.

Cryptogram ships an update every 2 weeks, Alpha daily. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cryptogram | Alpha |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.9 (774 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-word-puzzle-master/id6670599725/reviews) | **[5.0 (10 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alpha-bet/id6760611815/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **774** | 10 |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 178 MB | 149 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.1 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 17+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Guru Future Holding Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1693569117) | [ALPHABET CORPORATION LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/6793067488) |

## 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


### Alpha

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alpha-bet/id6760611815)

Engage in a variety of word card games, playable solo against AI or with friends via voice chat. Build words from letter cards to score points and compete in different game modes, from quick challenges to strategic rounds.

**Highlights:** Multiple word card game modes, Solo play against AI opponents, Live multiplayer with friends, Voice chat integration, Daily word puzzles, Word golf strategy game, Global leaderboards

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cryptogram free?

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

### Is Alpha free?

Alpha is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cryptogram or Alpha?

Alpha is rated higher. Cryptogram averages 4.9 out of 5 from 774 ratings, while Alpha averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.

### Do Cryptogram or Alpha have ads?

Cryptogram shows ads; Alpha does not.

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

Cryptogram ships an update every 2 weeks, and Alpha daily. Most recently, Cryptogram was updated on November 4, 2026 and Alpha on November 5, 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.*