# Cipher Munch vs Zen CodeWords

The clearest difference is ads: Cipher Munch at none against Zen CodeWords's shown. Zen CodeWords's advantage is ratings volume (12 vs 4) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, rating, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Cipher Munch sells 20 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Zen CodeWords sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for Cipher Munch against 5.0 for Zen CodeWords. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 12 respectively.

Cipher Munch ships an update every 5 days, Zen CodeWords every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Cipher Munch | Zen CodeWords |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipher-munch-code-busters/id6773527361/reviews) | [5.0 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-codewords-word-brain-game/id6805856559/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 4 | **12** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 days | **Every 4 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 84 MB | 230 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mehra Pirzadeh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1480407972) | [QURIOUSBIT GAMES PRIVATE LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1715784154) |

## What reviewers say

### Cipher Munch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cipher-munch-code-busters/id6773527361)

This app offers a vast collection of cryptogram puzzles, featuring various classical ciphers. It's designed for both casual players and serious competitors, providing tools and practice for academic cryptography events. Enjoy quotes from famous figures while honing your code-breaking skills.

**Highlights:** Hand-crafted cryptogram puzzles, Classical cipher variety (Atbash, Caesar, Vigenère, etc.), Competition-focused practice tools, Daily streak and achievements, Offline play, Light and dark themes

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

**In-app purchases (20)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rail Fence Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Porta Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Caesar Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Aristocrat K1 Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Patristocrat K1 Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Affine Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Atbash Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Knights Templar Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Patristocrat K2 Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Dancing Men Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Pigpen Access | $3.99 | per month |
| Xenocrypt Access | $3.99 | per month |
| All Access (Yearly) | $39.90 | per year |
| Porta Volume 4 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Porta Volume 6 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Porta Volume 7 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Porta Volume 10 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Porta Volume 8 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Porta Volume 9 | $0.99 | one-time |
| Porta Volume 11 | $0.99 | one-time |


### Zen CodeWords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zen-codewords-word-brain-game/id6805856559)

This game combines crossword puzzles with cryptograms, challenging your vocabulary and logic. Solve clues to decode hidden phrases, quotes, and facts. Enjoy a relaxing experience with nature-themed backgrounds and a clean design.

**Highlights:** Crossword-cryptogram hybrid gameplay, Vocabulary and general knowledge challenges, Cryptogram decryption and pattern recognition, Hundreds of unique puzzles, Nature-themed backgrounds, Progressive unlocks and scoring

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Basic Piggy Deal | $2.99 | one-time |
| Basic Piggy | $3.99 | one-time |
| Fail Offer | $4.99 | one-time |
| Bronze Piggy | $7.99 | one-time |
| Fairytale Cursor Bundle | $9.99 | one-time |
| Silver Piggy | $15.99 | one-time |
| Gold Piggy | $39.99 | one-time |
| Emerald Piggy | $79.99 | one-time |
| Ruby Piggy | $159.99 | one-time |
| 110000 Coins | $199.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cipher Munch free?

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

### Is Zen CodeWords free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Cipher Munch or Zen CodeWords?

Cipher Munch and Zen CodeWords are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 12 ratings respectively.

### Do Cipher Munch or Zen CodeWords have ads?

Zen CodeWords shows ads; Cipher Munch does not.

### Which is updated more often, Cipher Munch or Zen CodeWords?

Cipher Munch ships an update every 5 days, and Zen CodeWords every 4 days. Most recently, Cipher Munch was updated on October 25, 2026 and Zen CodeWords on October 26, 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.*