# Cryptogram vs Decoding Word Puzzle

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Decoding Word Puzzle at none against Cryptogram's 21. Decoding Word Puzzle also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (daily vs every 3 weeks). Cryptogram's advantage is review sentiment (56% vs 27%) and chart position (#36 vs unranked). On price, ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cryptogram sells 20 one-off in-app purchases. Decoding Word Puzzle asks for nothing beyond the download.

Decoding Word Puzzle holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 9.9K and 11K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 56% of Cryptogram's written reviews are positive against 27% of Decoding Word Puzzle's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Cryptogram ships an update every 3 weeks, Decoding Word Puzzle daily. Both last shipped on September 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cryptogram | Decoding Word Puzzle |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.7 (9.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-logic-puzzle-game/id6742755086/reviews) | **[4.9 (11K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decoding-word-puzzle/id6747968388/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 9.9K | **11K** |
| Positive reviews | **55.7% of reviews** | 26.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#36** | — |
| Size | 304 MB | 255 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tripledot Studios](https://appshunter.io/developer/1191319103) | [Peace Word Studio](https://appshunter.io/developer/1787839993) |

## What reviewers say

### Cryptogram

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-logic-puzzle-game/id6742755086)

**Currently charting:** #36 Top Grossing · Word, #83 Top Free · Word (US App Store)

Decode encrypted messages, quotes, and riddles using logic and pattern recognition. This game offers daily challenges and a relaxing, pressure-free environment to sharpen your brain and improve cognitive skills.

**Highlights:** Decode encrypted messages, Daily cryptogram challenges, Train brain and improve logic, Thousands of handcrafted puzzles, No timers or pressure, Track daily progress rings

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

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 0.99$ | $0.99 | one-time |
| Natalia's Special | $0.99 | one-time |
| Package 1.99 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Package 2.99 | $2.99 | one-time |
| Keyboard Clean Pack 3.99 | $3.99 | one-time |
| 3.99$ | $3.99 | one-time |
| Package 3.99 | $3.99 | one-time |
| 4.99$ | $4.99 | one-time |
| 5.00$ | $4.99 | one-time |
| Package 4.99 | $4.99 | one-time |
| Package 5.99 | $5.99 | one-time |
| No Ads Pack 7.99 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Pack | $9.99 | one-time |
| Keyboard Clean 9.99 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Package 9.99 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Package 12.99 | $12.99 | one-time |
| Package 19.99 | $19.99 | one-time |
| Package 29.99 | $29.99 | one-time |
| Package 49.99 | $49.99 | one-time |
| Package 99.99 | $99.99 | one-time |


### Decoding Word Puzzle

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/decoding-word-puzzle/id6747968388)

Engage your mind with a word puzzle game featuring quotes from famous figures, literature, and movies. Solve creatively designed levels with hints and letter matching, enhanced by beautiful hand-drawn art and an unfolding narrative.

**Highlights:** Quote-based puzzles, Word creation and letter matching, Contextual hints, Hand-drawn artwork, Narrative mode, Daily challenges

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🤩 Relaxing and mentally challenging
- 👍 Fun and enjoyable game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔥 Overloaded with ads
- 🐛 Buggy and unresponsive touch interface
- 🔋 Poor performance and battery drain

**Reported bugs**

- Forced to restart from beginning after update
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- More puzzle content
- Option to disable ads


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cryptogram free?

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

### Is Decoding Word Puzzle free?

Decoding Word Puzzle is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Cryptogram or Decoding Word Puzzle?

Decoding Word Puzzle is rated higher. Cryptogram averages 4.7 out of 5 from 9.9K ratings, while Decoding Word Puzzle averages 4.9 from 11K ratings.

### Do Cryptogram or Decoding Word Puzzle have ads?

Cryptogram shows ads; Decoding Word Puzzle does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cryptogram or Decoding Word Puzzle?

Cryptogram ships an update every 3 weeks, and Decoding Word Puzzle daily. Most recently, Cryptogram was updated on September 24, 2026 and Decoding Word Puzzle on September 24, 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.*