# Codewords vs Cryptogram IQ

The clearest difference is ads: Codewords at none against Cryptogram IQ's shown. Codewords also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.6). Cryptogram IQ's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 9 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Codewords sells 11 one-off in-app purchases and Cryptogram IQ sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Codewords holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 84 and 217 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 77% of Codewords's written reviews are positive against 83% of Cryptogram IQ's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Codewords ships an update every 9 months, Cryptogram IQ every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Codewords | Cryptogram IQ |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (84 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codewords/id682094723/reviews)** | [4.6 (217 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-iq-word-master/id6480098884/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 84 | **217** |
| Positive reviews | 76.9% of reviews | **83.3% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 9 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 15 MB | 65 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Teazel](https://appshunter.io/developer/576525182) | [Megarama Games Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/987479598) |

## What reviewers say

### Codewords

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codewords/id682094723)

Engage your mind with unique crossword puzzles where letters are replaced by numbers. Solve the code by deducing which number represents which letter to complete the grid. Perfect for a quick mental workout.

**Highlights:** Number-to-letter decoding, 900 complete puzzles, Zooming grid, Cheats and answer checking, Landscape mode

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

**In-app purchases (11)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 1) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 2) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 3) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 4) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 5) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 6) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 7) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 9) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 10) | $0.99 | one-time |
| pack of Codewords (Pack 11) | $0.99 | one-time |
| full set of Codewords packs | $2.99 | one-time |


### Cryptogram IQ

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/cryptogram-iq-word-master/id6480098884)

Decode cryptic ciphers and solve word puzzles by connecting letters and numbers. Use logic and clues to decipher hidden quotes and expand your vocabulary. This game offers thousands of challenges to test your word search and logic skills.

**Highlights:** Decode cryptic ciphers, Solve cross-logic puzzles, Connect letters and numbers, Decrypt hidden quotes, Enhance logic skills, Expand vocabulary

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and enjoyable gameplay
- 🧠 Keeps brain sharp and challenged
- 💡 New and different from other games
- 😌 Relaxing experience
- 🤔 Makes you think outside the box

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😵 Endless and overwhelming ads
- 💰 High cost to remove ads
- 🔄 Repetitive with few games

**Reported bugs**

- App faulty, won't open after reaching a certain level


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Codewords free?

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

### Is Cryptogram IQ free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Codewords or Cryptogram IQ?

Codewords is rated higher. Codewords averages 4.8 out of 5 from 84 ratings, while Cryptogram IQ averages 4.6 from 217 ratings.

### Do Codewords or Cryptogram IQ have ads?

Cryptogram IQ shows ads; Codewords does not.

### Which is updated more often, Codewords or Cryptogram IQ?

Codewords ships an update every 9 months, and Cryptogram IQ every 3 weeks. Most recently, Codewords was updated on October 23, 2026 and Cryptogram IQ on October 22, 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.*