# Sherlock ZEN vs Codenames

The clearest difference is rating: Codenames at 4.7 against Sherlock ZEN's 4.1. Codenames also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 13 months) and ratings volume (1.1K vs 48). Sherlock ZEN's advantage is iOS requirement (8.0 vs 15.0). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Sherlock ZEN costs $5.99 and Codenames $4.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Codenames holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Codenames has 1.1K ratings behind it against 48, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 74% of Sherlock ZEN's written reviews are positive against 66% of Codenames's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Sherlock ZEN ships an update every 13 months, Codenames fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 13, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Sherlock ZEN | Codenames |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $5.99 | **$4.99** |
| Rating | [4.1 (48 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sherlock-zen/id979645848/reviews) | **[4.7 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 48 | **1.1K** |
| Positive reviews | **73.5% of reviews** | 66.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 13 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | — | **#12** |
| Size | 15 MB | 221 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Everett Kaser Software](https://appshunter.io/developer/383644089) | [CGE Digital s.r.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1706267473) |

## What reviewers say

### Sherlock ZEN

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sherlock-zen/id979645848)

Engage your mind with logic puzzles that challenge you to deduce the placement of images on a grid. Solve thousands of unique puzzles across various sizes using graphical clues to uncover hidden arrangements.

**Highlights:** Logic grid puzzles, Deduce image locations, Graphical clues, Multiple grid sizes (4x4, 5x5, 6x6), 150,000 unique puzzles

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

**In-app purchases:** none


### Codenames

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codenames/id1055650930)

**Currently charting:** #12 Top Paid · Board, #12 Top Paid · Puzzle, #104 Top Paid · Games, #158 Top Paid (US App Store)

Engage in a strategic word game of deduction and teamwork. Give one-word clues to help your team guess associated words before the opposing team. Enjoy a blend of casual fun and deep thinking with turn-based multiplayer matches.

**Highlights:** Turn-based multiplayer, One-word clue system, Teamwork and deduction, Multiple game modes, Spymaster and Operative roles, Logic and creativity challenges

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth and intuitive gameplay
- 🎨 Excellent visual design
- 💰 Good value for money
- 🕹️ Engaging single-player modes
- 🤝 Enjoyable multiplayer experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⏱️ Long wait times for other players
- 🌐 Connectivity issues and server problems
- 🌍 Cultural differences and language barriers
- 🔒 Restrictive clue-giving rules
- 🤖 Jury system allowing questionable words

**Reported bugs**

- Initial launch with only Czech language support
- Occasional app crashes and server disconnections

**Requested features**

- Add Codenames Duet mode
- Implement AI/bot players for faster games
- Allow custom word packs and themes
- Add a 'speed mode' for faster gameplay
- Improve the jury system to maintain game integrity


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Sherlock ZEN free?

Sherlock ZEN costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Codenames free?

Codenames costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Sherlock ZEN or Codenames?

Codenames is rated higher. Sherlock ZEN averages 4.1 out of 5 from 48 ratings, while Codenames averages 4.7 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do Sherlock ZEN or Codenames have ads?

Neither Sherlock ZEN nor Codenames shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Sherlock ZEN or Codenames?

Sherlock ZEN ships an update every 13 months, and Codenames fortnightly. Most recently, Sherlock ZEN was updated on October 13, 2026 and Codenames on October 15, 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.*