Apps for word games

New York Times Spelling Bee fanatics may have swapped their tried-and-true word game for the popular free online game Wordle that has taken the word world by storm. But there exists a vast collection of word game apps available to download on your iPhone and Android. Each has their own rules, aesthetic, and fanbase but all aim to puzzle the mind game strategists among us.

Whether you prefer something more traditional that takes inspiration from word game classics like Scrabble, or you have no hesitation in trying something new, these word game apps will entertain you for hours. If you are looking for fun ways to spend your rainy spring afternoon, free apps like Wordscapes, SpellTower, and Pictoword offer a friendly challenge for you and the kids. What’s even better? These apps are all free to download and some even allow you to connect with friends, family, and fans from around the world.

Here are 11 word game apps that you should go ahead and download ASAP.

Wordscapes

If you always finish your weekly crossword puzzle, Wordscapes is a must-try. This word game has a similar layout to a crossword puzzle, with lines of empty spaces intersecting, but this time there are no clues. Instead, you are given between three and seven letters in your «wheel.» You connect these letters to form words by dragging your finger across the screen. The goal is to fill your board with the correctly chosen words; however, if you spell a word that doesn’t appear on the board it becomes a «bonus word» that can be used later in the game. While the instructions are pretty basic, there are various «power-ups» that bring this app to the next level, as well as weekly Wordscapes tournaments for those who are serious fans. Another fun aspect of this word game is that each level has a scenic snapshot of nature. So while you may become frustrated as you level up, the mountainous or coastal view will provide some escape as you brainstorm words.

Download: iOS, Android

Words with Friends 2

Words with Friends has its own cult following like other popular word games. The second version has the same objectives as the original, but with the added bonus of the latest features, including a Solo Challenge mode. The beauty of this word game app is that you can play against a friend (as the name implies) or a random player. Similar to Scrabble, players can only form words horizontally or vertically. You can use your turn to swap a tile from your rack with a new letter from the Tile Bag. The game typically ends when one player has played every tile in their rack, but there are some exceptions. To read more about these intricacies and how the scoring works, check out these helpful instructions.

Download: iOS, Android

SpellTower

If you aren’t immediately drawn to this game by its fantastical name, then you will be soon enough after playing a round. The general gist of the game is to form words from letters on your board, almost reminiscent of Boggle. Things get a bit dicier as you experiment with over eight different modes, such as «Search» which prompts you to find the best word on the board. SpellTower has its own website that is super helpful and user-friendly for new players. The best-selling word game was developed by Zach Gage and Jack Schlesinger in 2008, and since its founding has been downloaded over a million times. Join in on the word game fun and add to the growing list of words made by SpellTower fans — it’s already above a billion!

Download: iOS, Android

Word Cookies!

Bakers will love this word game that reimagines apps like Wordscapes with a sweet twist. You are still forming words with letters from your «bowl,» but this time your guesses are designed as cookies on a baking sheet and each level has its own flavor, including (but not limited to) oatmeal, ginger, and red velvet. There are various packs and even weekly missions that players, or bakers, can take on. While the aesthetics of the app are adorable, there do tend to be a fair amount ads between rounds. But you can purchase a membership for Word Cookies! to skip the ads and get back to baking (words).

Download: iOS, Android

Scrabble GO

Scrabble GO is exactly what its name implies: a mobile device version of the almost century-old game. Similar to Words with Friends 2, Scrabble GO gives you the option to connect with your friends on the app, or opt to play with strangers. Either way, you will be given seven tiles from the 100 letter tile set. Just like with Scrabble, you form words vertically and horizontally and each letter also has a certain value associated with it. What sets Scrabble GO apart from its gaming app opponents are the boosts and gems you collect as you play. These help you level up your skills but also bring new challenges to the word game.

Download: iOS, Android

Wheel of Fortune

Are you a big fan of the sensational TV show «Wheel of Fortune?» Then the mobile version of this iconic game show is the next word game app you need to download. Spin the famous wheel and pretend to be a contestant from the comfort of your home.

Download: iOS, Android

Alpha Omega

Another take on the crossword puzzle, Alpha Omega asks players to unscramble letters, instead of forming words from clues. Set up with intersecting rows, the app has a clean and calming aesthetic. Each time you unscramble a word, it locks in place to help you determine the other words on your board. If you get stuck, you can click on the clue at the top of the screen. If this sounds daunting, know that the first and last letters of each word are already set in place!

Download: iOS, Android

Typeshift

Typeshift was also developed by Zach Gage and can be played online or downloaded for your iPhone, Android, or tablet. Regardless of how you choose to play this free word game, you will still slide columns up or down to spell out a word in the center row. There are themed puzzles such as Snowday, Take Me Out To The Ball Game, and Earth Day which ask you to form words under these themes.

Download: iOS, Android

Crossword Puzzle Redstone

While these crosswords are delivered to your fingertips via an app, this game is still the same old word puzzle that has been entertaining generations. There are thousands of crosswords available for free thanks to Redstone; the app has even been credited as the «crossword lover’s dream app.» In addition to thousands of puzzles, you can also choose between four different difficulty levels as well as make use of various features such as «Smart Look Up» which will you give you suggestions for your next move. Another perk of this app is that it can clear your errors, rather than you having to scratch out mistakes on a physical crossword.

Download: iOS, Android

Pictoword

Pictoword asks players to spell a hidden word with only one hint — or perhaps two hints. Each round a player will see two images appear on their screen. Below these there will be 13 scrambled letters that contain the word that the two images are trying to spell. Your job is to guess this word, not necessarily using all of the tiles available. Sometimes the word will be obvious, while other times you will have to put two and two together (literally).

Download: iOS, Android

WordJong

WordJong takes inspiration from Mahjong Solitaire but instead of matching winning symbols, players are solving daily word puzzles. Similar to word games like Wordle, there is a new challenge each day. If you were quick to solve that day’s word, you can go back to previous days and keep playing as many rounds as you like. There are also seven different Zodiac characters who each have their own style and difficulty level. The more challenges you complete, the more gold coins and power-ups you obtain.

Download: iOS, Android

The New York Times defines Spelling Bee, its popular daily word game, as «a puzzle in which players try to make words from a set of seven unique letters while using the center letter at least once.» But Spelling Bee’s loyal fan base is more likely to define it as «a lifestyle.»

Unfortunately, Spelling Bee only offers one puzzle a day—leaving us obsessives hungry for more vocabulary building exercises. Luckily, there are tons of other fun word game apps for iPhones, iPads, and Android smartphones that will sate our cravings. Adults and seniors will find the brain-twister Alpha Omega a challenge (in the best way), and kids will be drawn to AlphaBear’s adorable graphics. Those looking for a game night with pals should head straight to Words With Friends or Letterpress.

These brain-building games have more benefits than whittling away boredom. A 2019 study completed by U.K. researches showed that individuals who frequently completed crossword and Sudoku puzzles had sharper performance «across a range of tasks assessing memory, attention, and reasoning.» Essentially, these word game apps might just make you smarter, one puzzle at a time.

Below, find some of our favorite options, complete with links to download. Since most of them are free, you can try them out before committing to in-app purchases.

Advertisement — Continue Reading Below

1

Alphabear

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Alphabear is where adorable animals meet word strategy. The wholly unique gameplay consists of constructing words around, well, bears. As players progress and rack up points, they can decorate their ursine avatar with new clothes and accessories. With its wholesome graphics and compelling story, this family-friendly puzzle game is perfect for kids and parents to play together.

Download Now

2

Wordscapes

Price: Free with in-app purchases

You are now entering a zen space where the only thing you have to worry about is creating new words. Gameplay is refreshingly simple. Each new round of Wordscapes presents players with a batch of five letters; with each word you build, fill out the puzzle more and more.

Download Now

3

SpellTower+

Price: Free with in-app purchases.

For its blend of strategy and verbal acumen, Spell Tower is the perfect game for Tetris fans with wide vocabularies. Each round begins with a row of letters. With each word formed, more letters accumulate. See how many words you can form before the tower reaches the top of your screen. The classic 2011 game was reimagined in 2020 to create a new and improved version.

Download Now

4

Typeshift

Price: Free with in-app purchases

The creator of SpellTower returns with another ingenious word-based game, which he describes as «anagrams meets word search with a sprinkle of crosswords.» The game comes with over 100 free puzzles, and has additional packs available to purchase. The goal is to shift columns of letters up and down to form words in the center row. Challenge yourself with the daily puzzle.

Download Now

5

Blackbar

Price: $2.99

Blackbar is an innovative app that blends storytelling with word puzzles. Gameplay unfolds through a series of censored letters exchanged between friends. You’ll need to fill in the letter’s literal «black bars» to reach the story’s next chapter.

Download Now

6

New York Times Crossword Puzzle

Price: An annual subscription costs $39.95 per year and a monthly is $6.95 per month.

We’d be remiss not to include the New York Times crossword puzzle, perhaps the most classic word game of them all. The subscription unlocks the Times’s archive of puzzles dating back to 1993, which means you’ll never run out. If you’re on the run, start with the Mini Crossword.

Download Now

7

Word Search Pro

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Whoever said word searches were for kids has never played, and been utterly soothed by, Word Search Pro. If you’re finding the hidden words too easily, change up the difficulty level. Finally, insomniacs looking to relax can use the app’s «dark mode» feature.

Download Now

8

Words With Friends 2

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Scrabble meets smartphones in Words With Friends, one of the most popular multiplayer apps around. Start with seven randomly arranged tiles and see what you can build on the board…or off. The game’s chat function has been the setting for some couples’ meet cutes.

Download Now

9

Letterpress

Price: Free with in-app purchases

If you and your pals have lost track of how many Words With Friends matches you’ve played, check out Letterpress for variety’s sake. The clever game riffs off of Scrabble and Risk. Players compete to spell the most words, and thus capture the board.

Download Now

10

Word Cookies

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Like many other other apps on this list, the gist of Word Cookies is constructing words from a random assortment of letters. The major difference? Here, the letters are made out of (virtual) cookies. Fill up the jar with all the words you create. Kids will enjoy Word Cookies’ sweet conceit.

Download Now

11

Bonza Word Puzzle

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Think of Bonza as a new type of crossword. Each puzzle is guided by a different clue, like «Compass» or «Things With Buttons.» From there, players drag blocks of letters to form words that fall under that category. Will Shortz, editor of the New York Times crossword puzzle, is also a fan of this popular game, calling it «instantly addictive.»

Download Now

12

Wheel of Fortune

Price: Free with in-app purchases

Now on sale: Vowels! Here’s your chance to replicate the beloved game show on your phone with thousands of puzzles. Spin the wheel, solve puzzles, and impress your friends (or competitors from around the world).

Download Now

13

Four Letters

Price: Free with in-app purchases

If you’re seeking a game with lightning fast rounds that you can play during life’s in-between moments, Four Letters is for you. In each round, players are challenged to make as many words as they can using–you guessed it!—four letters. When the clock runs out, check out the dictionary to see the words you missed.

Download Now

14

Alpha Omega

Alpha Omega may look like a crossword—but it’s not. Each level is comprised of a series of misspelled words. The goal is to rearrange letters to fix the puzzle. Heads up: Alpha Omega will definitely build some brain muscle. This game is a challenge in the best way.

Download Now

15

Scrabble Go

Price: Free with in-app purchases

With Scrabble Go, the classic board game is adapted for the digital age. «Practice Mode» is a great option for those of us hoping to sharpen our word-finding strategy skills. Thanks to the app’s stat-tracking feature, you can measure your progress. Of course, if you’re missing the analog days, you can always put the phone down for a classic game of Scrabble.

Download Now

16

Word Beach

Price: Free with in-app purchases

We’ll be honest: The major appeal of this relaxing word-finding app is the backgrounds, which depict gorgeous beaches from around the world.

Download Now

Word games are a fantastic way to kill time, challenge your brain, and expand your vocabulary. These games also help to improve your concentration and problem-solving skills. They can be played alone or with friends, and are a fun and engaging way to kill boredom.

With thousands of games available on the Play Store, it can be challenging to choose the best word game applications for both Android and iPhone smartphones. To help you out, we’ve put up a list of the top 10-word game apps to give your brain daily exercises.

These apps include a variety of options, including contemporary and creative word puzzles as well as traditional crosswords and abbreviations. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10 Best Word Game Apps for iPhone and Android (2023)

This collection has something for everyone, whether you’re a casual player seeking a short mental challenge or you’re just a word game lover. These apps offer a wide range of gameplay experiences that will keep you occupied for hours, all thanks to the traditional crossword puzzles & thrilling word search games.

1. Scrabble Go

The popular board game Scrabble is updated for the digital era with Scrabble Go. This is basically “Scrabble on the move”, as the name implies. With the added levels of customization and benefits that app developers offer, it’s really enjoyable. You have the option of competing against the AI, online strangers, or your buddies. It offers a  terrific   “Practice Mode” if you want to improve your word-finding skills. The stat-tracking function of the app allows you to monitor your advancement.

2. Wordscapes

Over 6,000 crossword puzzles can be found in the well-known word search game Wordscapes, and new ones are constantly being added. It is a wonderful way to unwind and mentally push yourself because it features lovely graphics and a calming soundtrack. Players must use a set of letter tiles that are provided in the game to form correct words on a grid. Players must utilize their vocabulary and spelling abilities to discover all the words associated with the theme of each puzzle.

3. Spell Tower

For Tetris lovers, Spell Tower is a gem! The game focuses on improving your vocabulary game. It’s an ideal game, that provides a perfect combination of technique and verbal skill. In this word game, players need to construct words out of the letter tiles placed on a grid. The goal is to fill the grid with as many words as you can before time runs out. The game ends when there are no more words that can be made with the remaining letters and they reach the top of the screen as players make words.

4. Words with Friends 2

It is another quite popular word game, available for both platforms. It functions quite similarly to Scrabble, as letters are given to you and your fellow player. In order to earn points, you need to arrange them on a board. The game is won by the player who accumulates the most points. It’s a fully immersive online multiplayer activity, but you can also play it by yourself. The word game is supposed to get harder and harder, so as you go along you have to play much better and use your mind more.

5. Letter Press

In this word game app for iPhone, players take chances at constructing words on a grid of letter tiles. The goal is to create as many words as you can and “defend” as many tiles with your color as you can. The game is over when all of the available tiles have been claimed, and players can steal tiles from one another by reusing them in new sentences. In Letterpress, users can compete against friends or strangers online in a variety of game modes, including single-player and multiplayer.

6. Wordle

This Word game probably needs no introduction at all. There would hardly be anyone who would not know about it. This word game took the internet by storm with its initial release in December’21. Since Wordle is not a dedicated app, you might get confused to see it in the list of “best word game apps to play”. As it is basically a web-based game.

Note = Just open your favorite browser and type ‘Wordle’ and it will direct you to the wordle website. You have to guess the correct five-letter word and for that, you will get six chances. If you’ve got the right letter in the right spot, it will show up in green. When a letter is correct but placed incorrectly, it will show up in yellow. The letter will be grey if it is not used at all in the word.

Check it out here!

7. Four Letters

Four Letters is the game for you if you are looking for a quick-paced word-making game to play in between your busy schedule. Players have the task to create new words using four letters, during each round.  The objective is to progress to the highest level possible without failing. When the timer ends, look for the terms you missed in the dictionary. Through the leaderboards, you may keep track of your performance throughout games and compare yourself to your friends.

Read Also: 10 Best Free Popular Card Games for Android (Offline/Online)

8. Cryptogram

Cryptogram is a word game in which players must decode a message written in code. The message is written using a simple substitution cipher, in which each letter of the alphabet is replaced with a different letter or symbol. The player is given the key to the code, which shows the original letter and its coded substitute. The player must use this key to decode the message and reveal the hidden word or phrase. Cryptogram has a variety of different puzzles to solve.

9. Type Shift

This word game – Type Shift is pretty interesting. The game offers extra packs for buy, which include 100 free puzzles & so on. The objective is to move letter columns up and down to create words in the central row. The daily puzzle is a good way to test your skills. Some variations of the game include extra restrictions, including a set number of moves or a need to use specific letters in the words. It amuses you while enhancing your vocabulary and teaching you fresh words.

10. Bonza Word Puzzle

An intriguing blend between the puzzle genre and crossword is the Bonza Word Puzzle. Players are given a hint and a collection of mixed-up letters. By putting the puzzle pieces together, you can arrange various possible words. Players need to solve the word challenges by pushing boxes around with their fingers. Players will also get the opportunity to learn how to spell out new words.  Players can gain achievements in special in-game modes &   for completing the puzzles.

Read Also: Best Offline/Online Football Games For Android

To Wrap This Up

So, this was our list of best word game apps for Android and iOS. These top 10 game apps provide hours of enjoyment and the chance to improve your vocabulary. So, whether you are an experienced word game pro or a casual player seeking a fun way to kill boredom. And for more such troubleshooting guides and tips & tricks related to Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Next Reads:  

• Best Online/Offline Shooting Games For Android
• 10 Best Offline Shooting Games For iOS