Comparison

Mad Func vs CipherQuest

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

Head to head
About

Mad Func

Learn algorithms and coding concepts through interactive, gamified challenges. Solve puzzles by arranging code blocks, debug issues, and tackle system design problems. Track your progress and prepare for interviews or strengthen your computer science fundamentals.

Highlights
  • Gamified algorithm puzzles
  • Interactive debugging
  • System design challenges
  • Multi-language support
  • Progress tracking dashboard
  • Weekly new challenges
Read full description

Who said learning algorithms had to be boring? Solve coding challenges by dragging and dropping syntax pieces into place. It's like building with code blocks! Challenge Yourself With: Fresh algorithm puzzles every week Interactive debugging missions System design brain teasers Multi-language support (Swift, Python, JavaScript, Java) Personal progress dashboard Whether you're prepping for interviews or strengthening CS foundations, turn study time into play time. Terms of Use (EULA) - https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

About

CipherQuest

Learn cybersecurity concepts through interactive puzzles and simulated challenges. Master topics like Linux, cryptography, and web security in a gamified experience with hands-on labs. Progress through skill paths and earn rewards as you capture flags.

Highlights
  • 211 bite-sized challenges
  • Simulated terminal and labs
  • Learn Linux and command line
  • Cryptography and web security
  • Digital forensics and recon
  • Earn XP and unlock badges
  • Offline play
Features
Read full description

Cybersecurity, turned into a puzzle game. CipherQuest breaks real security concepts into 211 bite-sized, hands-on challenges you can play anywhere. No setup, no virtual machines, no risk — just you, a simulated terminal, and a flag to capture. Inspired by Capture-The-Flag (CTF) competitions, CipherQuest teaches the concepts security professionals use every day, wrapped in a fast, gamified experience. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - Linux & the command line — ls, cat, grep, find, permissions, file systems - Cryptography — Base64, hex, Caesar, ROT13, Vigenère, Morse, hashing - Web security — SQL injection, XSS, IDOR, CSRF, SSRF, JWT, and the fixes for each - Recon & scanning — port and service discovery, banner reading, open-source intelligence - Digital forensics — log analysis, packet inspection, steganography, file carving - Memory safety — buffer overflows, ASLR, and why modern defenses exist - Reverse engineering, networking fundamentals, and connected-device security INTERACTIVE LABS This isn't multiple choice. Every lab is a self-contained simulation that runs on your device: - A SQL injection console with a schema browser — see exactly why unsanitized input breaks a login - An XSS lab that runs your payload against a fake page so you can watch the flaw happen - An animated port and service scanner - A network map you explore host by host - A password-hash lab that shows why weak passwords fall in seconds - An encoder/decoder tool bench and a fully simulated Linux terminal BUILT TO KEEP YOU LEARNING - Earn XP and level up as you go - Unlock badges and keep daily streaks - Step-by-step tutorials on every challenge — start as a complete beginner - Hints when you're stuck, flags when you win - Slick neon terminal design with satisfying animations 13 skill paths. 211 levels. Easy to expert. FREE TO START Play the first 10 levels free. Unlock all 211 levels and every interactive lab with a single one-time purchase — no subscription, ever. 100% SIMULATED, 100% OFFLINE CipherQuest never connects to, scans, or interacts with any real system. Every "server", "database" and "network" in the app is fictional data generated on your device. The app provides no tools that work against real systems and no content about circumventing the security of any device, platform or operating system. Whether you're studying for a security certification, prepping for CTF competitions, or just curious how digital security actually works, CipherQuest is the most enjoyable way to build the fundamentals. Download CipherQuest and capture your first flag today.

Screenshots

Mad Func4 screens
CipherQuest3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CipherQuest at none against Mad Func's 1. CipherQuest also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 18.0). Mad Func's advantage is update cadence (every 3 days vs monthly). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

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. Mad Func sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. CipherQuest asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Mad Func against 5.0 for CipherQuest. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Mad Func ships an update every 3 days, CipherQuest monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Mad Func versus CipherQuest: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMad FuncCipherQuest
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 3 days — betterMonthly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS18.016.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size28 MB2 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperGina De La RosaHeorhii Kozlovskyi

Customer experience

Mad Func

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

CipherQuest

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Mad Func

Subscriptions1
  • Mad Func Pro$2.997 Days
None

CipherQuest

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Mad Func free?
Mad Func is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CipherQuest free?
CipherQuest is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Mad Func or CipherQuest?
Mad Func and CipherQuest are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do Mad Func or CipherQuest have ads?
Neither Mad Func nor CipherQuest shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Mad Func or CipherQuest?
Mad Func ships an update every 3 days, and CipherQuest monthly. Most recently, Mad Func was updated on October 2, 2026 and CipherQuest on September 29, 2026.

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