Mon Dec 22 2025
As someone who does the NYT crossword every morning, I was skeptical of another app, but Crossword Explorer+ really impressed me. The interface is much more modern and responsive than most competitors. Typing feels snappy, and the 'skip filled squares' logic is exactly how it should be.
The variety of constructors is what makes it stand out—you get a great mix of clever wordplay and straightforward trivia. The Arcade version is a godsend because I don't have to worry about 'coins' or 'stamina' to unlock the next pack. It’s just me, the grid, and a cup of coffee. A solid 84/100 for any word nerd out there.
Thousands of premium puzzles
No ads or in-app purchases
Smart hints and error checking
Offline play support
Cloud sync across all Apple devices
Start with the 'Easy' mini-puzzles to get used to common crossword abbreviations and 'crosswordese.' Use the 'Check Letter' feature if you're stuck on a specific intersection to see if you're on the right track without revealing the whole word.
Enjoy Daily puzzles, themed packs (Movies, History, Science), and 'The Mini' for a quick mental workout. The game tracks your streaks and average solve times for every difficulty level.
Yes, a brand new puzzle is added every single day, along with monthly themed packs.