Comparison

Strings vs Tideword

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Strings

This word search game offers a unique twist by challenging players to create interconnected word strands by tracing paths through a letter grid. It combines vocabulary and spatial reasoning for an engaging puzzle experience with various themes.

Highlights
  • Word search and connect-the-dots gameplay
  • Challenging vocabulary and spatial puzzles
  • Intuitive interface
  • Multiple topics and themes
  • Mind exercise and word weaving
Features
Read full description

Looking for challenging word games that go beyond the ordinary? Discover Strings, the innovative word search game that strands together vocabulary and strategy in an entirely new way. Unlike traditional word games or crosswords, Strings challenges you to create intricate strands of interconnected words by tracing paths through a letter grid. Each puzzle becomes a web of possibilities as you connect letters to discover words hiding in plain sight. Key Features: - Unique blend of word search and connect-the-dots gameplay - Challenging puzzles that test both vocabulary and spatial skills - Beautiful, intuitive interface that makes word finding feel natural - Different topics and themes to keep the challenges fresh Exercise your mind and discover the satisfaction of weaving words together. Whether you're a casual player or a word game enthusiast, Strings offers a fresh take on vocabulary puzzles that will keep you coming back for more. Download Strings today and start creating your own path through the world of words! Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Support: hello@frostbyteentertainment.com

About

Tideword

Features
Read full description

Dive into Tideword — a deep-water word puzzle where every word you trace holds back the rising tide. Drag across touching letters to spell words on a jewel-like board. Words of 5+ letters trigger the signature UNRAVEL, clearing the tiles around your path and detonating cascades. Chain words for huge combos — but keep the board low, because the tide never stops rising. FEATURES • 104 handcrafted levels across 8 themed chapters — from The Shallows to The Abyss • The Unravel: long words clear everything around them for massive scores • Tide Pools: a calm mode with no tide, no timer, and no way to lose • The Descent: endless levels that continue after the campaign • Word Log: every new word you find pays coins and joins your collection • Obstacle tiles to master: ice, stone, and spreading rot • Boss battles every 10 levels and celebratory bonus rounds • Six boosters — Shuffle, Freeze, Bomb, Hint, Vowel Drop and Ebb • A daily reward streak and a shared daily challenge • Play offline — no connection required Easy to learn, endlessly escalating, and always fair. Can you reach The Abyss? Trace. Unravel. Beat the tide. TIDEWORD PLUS (OPTIONAL SUBSCRIPTION) Tideword is free to play. Tideword Plus is an optional auto-renewing subscription that removes ads and gives unlimited lives. • Tideword Plus Monthly — $4.99 per month • Tideword Plus Annual — $29.99 per year, starting with a 7-day free trial Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription renews automatically unless it is cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period; your account is charged for renewal within 24 hours of the end of that period. Manage or cancel your subscription in your Apple Account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial is forfeited when a subscription is purchased. Privacy Policy: https://mikemeda.github.io/tideword/privacy.html Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Strings4 screens
Tideword4 screens

Verdict

The call

Strings and Tideword are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Strings sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Tideword sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Strings ships an update every 3 weeks, Tideword every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
Strings versus Tideword: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterStringsTideword
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.8 (1K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews79.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings1K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 11 days — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size70 MB13 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFrostbyte Entertainment LLCMichael Alemayehu

Bugs and requests

Strings

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Tap action issues (too sensitive or unresponsive)
  • Incompatibility with older devices
  • Grid/puzzle size issues on smaller screens

Requested features

3 requests
  • List of all available games
  • Ability to restart all puzzles
  • Dark mode option

Tideword

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Strings

Subscriptions1
  • Premium Monthly3 Days trial$2.991 Month
One-time1
  • Remove Ads$4.99
9 purchases

Tideword

Subscriptions2
  • Tideword Plus Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Tideword Plus Annual7 Days trial$29.991 Year
One-time7
  • Handful of Pearls$1.99
  • Starter Bundle$2.99
  • Pouch of Pearls$3.99
Show 4 more
  • Remove Ads$3.99
  • Power Bundle$5.99
  • Chest of Pearls$8.99
  • Sunken Treasure$19.99

Questions

Is Strings free?
Strings is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Tideword free?
Tideword is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Strings or Tideword have ads?
Both Strings and Tideword show ads.
Which is updated more often, Strings or Tideword?
Strings ships an update every 3 weeks, and Tideword every 11 days. Most recently, Strings was updated on November 4, 2026 and Tideword on October 31, 2026.

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