Comparison

Thread vs Cross Math

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

Head to head
About

Thread

A serene logic puzzle game where you sort colored dots and connect pipe segments to trace a path. Enjoy procedurally generated challenges with no timers or pressure, designed for a calming experience.

Highlights
  • Sort colored dots
  • Connect pipe segments
  • Procedurally generated puzzles
  • No timer or pressure
  • Ambient soundtrack
  • Haptic feedback
Features
Read full description

Thread is a quiet logic puzzle for people who need a moment. Sort colored dots into matching rows. Rotate and connect pipe segments to form a path through the board. When everything lines up, trace the thread from one end to the other — and feel it click. No timer. No lives. No pressure. Just a puzzle waiting to be solved. WHAT MAKES THREAD DIFFERENT · Two puzzles in one: sort the colors and connect the thread simultaneously · Every puzzle is procedurally generated — infinite variety, always solvable · Swap any dot with any other, or long-hold to rotate pipe pieces · Anchored dots that won't move. Weighted dots that inch forward one step at a time. · A swap limit that gets tighter as you progress — efficiency matters DESIGNED FOR CALM · No ads. No notifications. No streaks. No manipulative mechanics. · Seven handcrafted color palettes inspired by the Pacific Northwest · Original ambient soundtrack composed for the game · Haptics that build to a satisfying crescendo as you trace the final thread · Badges and stats that quietly reward how you play UNLOCK EVERYTHING ONCE The first two tiers are free. One purchase unlocks all current and future content — no subscription, no consumables. Thread is made by Petrichor Games, an independent studio in the Pacific Northwest.

About

Cross Math

Features
Read full description

Cross Math is a relaxing number puzzle that combines arithmetic with the familiar structure of a crossword. Fill in the missing numbers and complete every equation across the board. Each row and column is connected, so every answer can help you solve the next part of the puzzle. Use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to find the correct solution. Start with simpler layouts and gradually move on to more complex puzzles. Complete one board to unlock the next and continue testing your calculation and logical thinking skills. Features: • Arithmetic crossword puzzles • Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division • Multiple difficulty levels • New layouts to solve as you progress • Simple and clear gameplay • A relaxing experience without time pressure • Suitable for both short sessions and longer play Solve the equations, complete the grid, and enjoy a fresh Cross Math puzzle whenever you play.

Screenshots

Thread4 screens
Cross Math4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Cross Math at none against Thread's 1. Cross Math also leads on iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). Thread's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price 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

Both are free to download. Thread sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Cross Math asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
Thread versus Cross Math: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterThreadCross Math
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 months—
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.613.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size78 MB21 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJesse SnyderOleksii Tanchyk

In-app purchases

1 purchases

Thread

One-time1
  • Thread: A Quiet Puzzle$2.99
None

Cross Math

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Thread free?
Thread is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Cross Math free?
Cross Math is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Thread or Cross Math have ads?
Cross Math shows ads; Thread does not.

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