Comparison

Simply Cryptic vs Crosscue

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

Head to head
About

Simply Cryptic

A cryptic crossword-inspired word game designed for quick, satisfying solves on mobile. It offers an accessible entry point to cryptic clues with optional explanations to help users learn the wordplay. Enjoy multiple difficulty levels and offline play.

Highlights
  • Cryptic clue solving
  • Optional clue explanations
  • Multiple difficulty packs
  • Offline play
  • Clean mobile design
  • Hint system
Features
Read full description

Simply Cryptic is a cryptic crossword-inspired word game built for quick, satisfying solves on iPhone. If cryptic clues have ever felt intimidating, this is your on-ramp. Each puzzle is designed to be clever but fair, and you can always view an optional explanation to learn the logic behind the clue. How it works: • Solve one cryptic-style clue at a time • Answers fit the exact letter count shown in parentheses • Use hints when you get stuck • Reveal an explanation to learn the wordplay and improve What’s inside: • Multiple difficulty packs: Easy, Classic, and Hard • Clean, distraction-free design built for mobile • Offline play (no account required) • New content can be added in future updates Simply Cryptic is the perfect word game for commuters, couch time, or anyone who likes puzzles that make you feel smart.

About

Crosscue

Features
Read full description

Crosscue is a fast, privacy-first crossword solver for people who want the puzzle, not the strings attached. SOLVE YOUR PUZZLES • Import .puz and .ipuz crossword files • Download supported daily mini crosswords in the app • Navigate naturally between across and down clues • Use rebus entries, pencil mode, mistake highlighting, and reveal tools • Keep your progress with automatic saving BUILD A SOLVING HABIT • Browse completed and in-progress puzzles in your archive • Track solve times, completion rates, streaks, and personal records • Share a clean result card without exposing puzzle answers • Use widgets and shortcuts to get back to solving quickly CHALLENGE FRIENDS—OPTIONALLY Create a private, invite-only Challenge Board and compare daily-mini solve times with friends. No account is required: choose a handle, share an invite link, and start solving. Adding an avatar photo is always optional. PRIVATE BY DESIGN • No ads • No analytics • No tracking • No account required • Core solving works offline • Optional iCloud sync keeps your puzzle library on your Apple devices Crosscue includes accessibility support for VoiceOver, Dynamic Type, keyboard navigation, reduced motion, and high-contrast display settings. Your puzzles are yours. Open one and get solving.

Screenshots

Simply Cryptic4 screens
Crosscue3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Crosscue at Free against Simply Cryptic's $0.99. Crosscue also leads on iOS requirement (16.0 vs 26.2). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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

Crosscue is free to download; Simply Cryptic costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 3, 2026 and September 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
Simply Cryptic versus Crosscue: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSimply CrypticCrosscue
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.216.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size6 MB27 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperViolet Rome LLCANDREW THOMAS HESS

In-app purchases

None

Simply Cryptic

No in-app purchases

None

Crosscue

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Simply Cryptic free?
Simply Cryptic costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Crosscue free?
Crosscue is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Simply Cryptic or Crosscue have ads?
Neither Simply Cryptic nor Crosscue shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Simply Cryptic or Crosscue?
Simply Cryptic ships an update every 2 months, and Crosscue every 2 months. Most recently, Simply Cryptic was updated on October 3, 2026 and Crosscue on September 28, 2026.

Other comparisons