When you are in the mood to play a new game on your smartphone, the options can be overwhelming. Both the Android and iOS app stores are packed full of fun and challenging games.
This is especially true when it comes to word games. So, if you’re looking for something enjoyable to play when you’re bored, here are the best free word games to play on your phone.
1. Wordscapes
Wordscapes is a game that combines creating words with a crossword puzzle. You just swipe to connect the letters to create words that fit into the crossword. Keep in mind that not all possible words are correct. They must fit into the crossword puzzle for you to progress.
If you enjoy relaxing word games, then Wordscapes is definitely one to check out. The puzzle packs are themed with beautiful imagery from sunrises to forests to oceans. The game also has a pleasant soundtrack to enhance your experience. For a casual and challenging word game, Wordscapes is fantastic.
Download: Wordscapes for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
Another letter-connecting word game with a balanced challenge is Words Crush: Hidden Themes. You are presented with letters to connect that create words for the theme. But, the trick is that when you swipe through them, the remaining letters fall. So, be careful to connect them correctly when you have more than one of the same letter.
Try not to make mistakes, and earn stars so that you can unlock additional themes. You can head to the beach, kitchen, farm, and even outer space when you do well. Words Crush: Hidden Themes has a simple concept, but enjoyable gameplay.
Download: Words Crush: Hidden Themes for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Pictoword
Maybe when you play a word game, you like to mix pictures with it. If so, take a look at Pictoword. This out-of-the-ordinary word challenge tests your solving skills. You will see two pictures that combine to create a word. For example, one picture might be a key and the other a chalkboard. Fill in the number of letters shown to create one word based on the images.
Pictoword offers quests for you to complete for extra game goodies, so be sure to check for new ones often. You can also join the daily challenges and earn coins. Then, use those coins to obtain hints that remove or reveal letters or let you skip the puzzle. Pictoword is a great combination of picture and word game.
Download: Pictoword for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. Wordalot
Another cool word game that uses pictures is Wordalot. Very different from Pictoword, Wordalot is a crossword puzzle. Your clues for each word exist within the displayed picture. So, you must open up your observational skills toolbox for this one because it can be challenging.
To play, tap one word in the puzzle that you believe you know. Fill in the letters from the ones shown, see if you are correct, and then keep going. If you change your mind about a letter, just tap it to remove it from the puzzle. The letter set changes for each word you tap, which in itself is a hint.
Download: Wordalot for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Word Cookies
With an upbeat theme and jolly music, Word Cookies will have you baking up words to solve its puzzles. You will see spots that show how many words you can create and the number of letters in each. Then, drag though the letters at the bottom to create the correct words that fit.
Word Cookies lets you shuffle the letters or use hints when you get stuck. You will start as a Novice Chef, but with your solving expertise, you will become an Ultimate Chef in no time. The game has over 2,000 levels of fun to play through.
Download: Word Cookies for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
6. WordWhizzle Search
WordWhizzle Search is similar in gameplay to Word Cookies, but contains a whopping number of levels at over 2,700. You see a theme displayed at the top and spots for words at the bottom. Swipe through the letters to create the words that both match the theme and fit the spots.
This word game is a little trickier in that you can only connect letters in straight lines. But, you can use letters more than once. The better you do, the further you progress, and the harder the game gets. For fans of word games, WordWhizzle Search provides a terrific challenge.
Download: WordWhizzle Search for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
7. Languinis
Languinis is a matching word puzzle game that features a funky story to go along with it. Match three or more tiles to reveal letters. Then, use those letters to create words and meet the level objectives. Your ultimate goal is to free the little Languinis.
The game has well over 1,000 levels, unique boosts and power-ups, challenging gameplay, and awesome graphics and sounds. Match more than three items to create special tiles and then combine them for massive explosions. And remember, longer words and letters with higher points will get you to your objectives quickly.
Free the Languinis with your words of wisdom in this upbeat game.
Download: Languinis for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
8. Wordzee!
Wordzee! is a charming mix of anagrams and Scrabble. You get a selection of tiles, each with different values, and you must create words of varying lengths from them. The more words you manage, the higher your score. If you manage to make five words out of your letters, you get a bonus.
The trick comes in knowing which letters to use on the smaller words, and which to save for the longer words to achieve more points. You can also be risky and swap some letters out in hopes of gaining better ones.
Plus, you’re not alone. You’re playing against others, either random people or friends, which adds a fun and competitive element to proceedings. Paired with delightful, colorful visuals, Wordzee! is a must-play for all word puzzle fans, especially for those who want to play with friends online.
Download: Wordzee! for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
9. Bold Moves
Bold Moves is another matching puzzle word game, but still manages a unique play style. You swipe to swap the tiles and make matches of three or more. However, your goal is to match the tiles containing letters to release them into the puzzle. The puzzle is displayed above and consists of an inspirational quote, for a nice touch.
When you release enough letters and know the answer to the puzzle, tap Solve. Then, fill in the missing letters and move onto the next level. Bold Moves offers challenging obstacles, special tiles, and helpful boosts like other, similar games.
With beautiful graphics and charming music, this word game from the Oprah Winfrey Network is a definite winner.
Download: Bold Moves for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
10. Infinite Word Search Puzzles
Sometimes the time-tested types of word games are the most enjoyable. Infinite Word Search Puzzles brings back the enjoyment of paper puzzle books. With two game modes, you can either race against the clock or solve the puzzles at your own pace.
The game has a huge variety of single-player word search categories. Pick from topics such as animals, art, TV shows, and sports with plenty of levels within each. You can also unlock special categories by watching a video or paying to remove the ads. Infinite Word Search Puzzles is ideal for fans of this genre.
Download: Infinite Word Search Puzzles for Android | iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
11. Alpha Omega
Alpha Omega has been on the scene for a while, and with good reason. This is a crossword-style word game and boasts some rather challenging puzzles. You receive limited hints with letters that are in the wrong order. Just tap to swap the letters, keep the hints in mind, and solve your way to the next challenge.
What makes Alpha Omega stand out, aside from its brain-teasing gameplay, are the audio and visual effects. You can select from attractive themes and enjoy the soothing soundtrack as you play. If relaxing mobile games are your favorites, then Alpha Omega is a must-play.
Download: Alpha Omega for iOS (Free, in-app purchases available)
What’s Your Favorite Type of Word Game?
This list covers the full gamut of word games, from word searches to crosswords to matching games. Many word game fanatics like all of these genres and play them avidly. If that’s you, why not take a crack at creating your own?
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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
Escape the day with this word game.
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!
Fancy a fun treat? Try a round of 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
Wheel of Fortune Fan? Try this game (show).
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
More of a visual person? Try 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
Updates Editor
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
These best word game apps are designed to sharpen your brain with daily short brain exercises.
Last Updated on :
May 26, 2022
Mobile games have welcomed different kinds of challenges for smartphone users. Games such as Chess, sudoku, word games, etc are a few examples of challenging categories of popular games. In this blog, however, we are only focusing on some of the best word games existing in the world today.
These best word games for iPhone and Android devices are designed by experts for word game enthusiasts to provide them with challenges of all levels. The more you play these top word game apps the more you will realize that starting levels of these games might look easier, but as you progress, challenges get tougher.
Our Top Picks
To ensure we have only shortlisted the best puzzles for word games, we have reviewed them and considered user opinions. So, you can go through the features of these best word game apps and pick the one that suits you best.
Best Word Games For Phones In 2022
With each title included in this blog, you will find their features and download links for Android and iOS platforms. So, just click on the buttons given below each app and land on the download page depending on your operating system. Now, without any further ado, let’s begin with the list!
1.
Wordscapes
4.9
4.6
This trending word game is designed to give your brain some tough exercises even with just 10 mins of gameplay every day. There are brain-challenging puzzles that will get tougher as you progress through the game. In this one of the best free word game apps, there are 6,000+ word puzzles to solve.
Features of this one of the best word game apps free
- 6,000+ puzzles
- Includes ads and paid features
- Based on connecting alphabets and hidden words
- Unlimited tries for each level
Download this one of the best word games
2.
Pictoword
4.6
4.3
One of the top word game apps, Pictoword’s name gives away its basic quality. In this one of the best free word games, you get a series of pictures for each puzzle, the goal is to find clues to create words. Top puzzles with pictures that you will see on the screen keep getting tougher as you progress through the game.
Features of this one of the top free word games for adults and kids
- Picture-based word puzzles
- Puzzles get tougher as you progress
- Regularly updated new puzzles
- Supports offline and online modes
Download this one of the top online word games
3.
Words Crush
4.6
4.7
Used by millions of users across the globe, this new popular word game offers word puzzles that are completed by crushing in-game objects. On every level, there are blocks with alphabets and your job is to crush blocks to make sense of them.
Features of this one of the most popular word games
- Crush letters that you can find
- Designed to sharpen the brain
- Multiple themes are included
- You can join tournaments to win big
Download this one of the top word game apps free
4.
WordWhizzle Search
4.5
4.6
One of the top new word games in 2022, WordWhizzle Search comes with over 2700 levels for you to enjoy. There are level packs included in the game that vary according to the difficulty level that you want to pursue. Your goal is to swipe letters to expose hidden words so you can complete levels and get promoted to the other one.
Features of this one of the best online word games
- Free to play
- Swipe letters to expose words
- Includes 2700+ levels
- Levels are divided into different difficulties
Download this one of the best word games
5.
Word Cookies
4.6
4.6
As the name suggests, in this one of the best word games for iPhone and Android, you will get letters on cookies. Your task is to shuffle the letters and make words out of them. Every level will have multiple words and as you progress, finding words will keep getting tougher in this one of the best free word game apps.
Features of this one of the free word games for adults
- Puzzles in cookies
- Multiple puzzles at every level
- Multiple themes
- More than 2000 levels
Download this one of the top word games for phones
6.
Wordalot
4.6
4.6
If you are still wondering which word app is the right one, Wordalot might grab your attention. With handpicked beautiful images, this one of the best word games for iPhone and Android has 1000+ levels. Clues to solve puzzles are hidden in pictures, so you need to focus on details.
Features of this one of the top word game apps
- Beautiful pictures with hidden clues
- More than 1,000 levels
- Puzzles get difficult as you progress
- Simple user interface
Download this one of the best free word games
7.
Wordzee!
4.4
4.6
One of the best free word game apps, Wordzee is designed to offer an amazing experience that never gets boring. Every day, you get new puzzles. On top of that, the ability to play puzzles with friends makes this app a perfect pick for even social events.
Features of this one of the top free word games for adults
- Thousands of puzzles
- Millions of users worldwide
- Allows playing with friends
- Every day you get a new challenge
Download this one of the top online word games
8.
Bold Moves
4.5
4.3
Bold Moves follows a unique style of word puzzles. You get puzzles hiding celebrity quotes, motivations, etc for you to search. The more letters you match, the more puzzles make sense. You can also participate in special events with special puzzles.
Features of this trending word game
- Motivational puzzles
- Special events with special puzzles
- Multiple scenery landscapes
- Used by millions of people
Download this one of the most popular word games
9.
Languinis
4.6
4.6
One of the most popular games, Languinis, is famous in 100+ countries and users can play it for free. You have to match at least 3 alphabets to make a complete word in this puzzle. Moreover, you can open the app every day to unlock rewards that will boost your gaming experience.
Features of this one of the top word game apps
- Free in 100+ countries
- Endless puzzles
- 3-D characters
- Supports offline mode
Download this one of the top free word games for adults
10.
Infinite Word Search Puzzles
4.7
4.3
This one of the best word game apps comes with puzzles that are time-limited. So, you need to finish challenges within the time assigned. There are more than 130 categories of word puzzles.
Features of this new popular word game
- Supports multiplayer
- More than 130 categories
- Global leaderboard for multiplayer games
- Allows playing with friends
Download this new popular word game
Well, these were the best word game apps that we had to share with you if you love challenging games. The best fact about these games is that every game included in this list is designed thoughtfully and follows amazing UI trends to offer the best possible experience.
If you are a developer, these apps can help you in understanding what users of this genre love. When your app is developed, you can get your app reviewed by MobileAppDaily as well so that you can understand the real potential of your app. There are plenty of blogs on app development trends as well that you can refer to keep up with whatever is going on in the industry.
Written By
Pallavi Content Head at MobileAppDaily
She is an avid writer of technology and trending mobile apps. When she is not busy updating you about the tech world, she spends time reading books and playing guitar.
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If you’re a sucker for words (and of course you are), there’s a whole host of absolutely fun games to play on your phone. Beyond kid’s games, there are so many challenging word game apps out there that are meant for adults to play (and play again). Take part in the daily New York Times crossword, build an army of dancing bears, or stomp your friends with your vocabulary skills with the best of the best word game apps available in 2020.
1. Wordscapes
Type of game: A crossword style game, combined with word search
Devices: iOS | Android | Windows
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
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Why you’ll love it: This game is easy at first, but quickly gets harder over time. It also only takes a few minutes to play each round, so it’s great for some quick brain stretching during the day to improve your vocabulary. And, the soothing backgrounds are pretty to look at and the game’s interface is easy to use.
2. Alphabear
Type of game: A wholly original word/strategy game, with elements of word search
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: With cute dancing bears, lots of vocabulary building, and a few gamified elements that are missing in other word game apps (like power-ups and boss fights), Alphabear is an absolute blast to play. You not only try to make words, you also help your bears get bigger for more points. (See also, the sequel Alphabear 2.)
3. TypeShift
Type of game: Anagrams meets word search meets crosswords
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: This one goes beyond the normal “find word repeat” type of word game apps by introducing multiple columns of letters you have shift around in order to spell out words in the center row. Beautiful to play, and quickly challenging.
4. Four Letters
Type of game: Timed word search game
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: Like all word game apps, Four Letters starts out simple but quickly progresses to harder and harder puzzles to solve. With only four letters, you have to make a word as quickly as possible. Smooth and easy to play in small pockets of downtime to improve your vocabulary.
5. Blackbar
Type of game: Guess the word game, with an underlying story
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: $1.99 Android, $2.99 iOS
Why you’ll love it: If you’re looking for something a bit more immersive than typical word game apps, check out Blackbar. By playing, you’ll read through a story told in a dystopian future where censorship is blotting out key words (that you have to then guess). It can be a difficult game to master, but always entertaining.
6. Words with Friends (2)
Type of game: Basically Scrabble
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: This is the highly-popular word game that you’ve probably already played. However, it’s still one of the best word game apps for straight fun and multi-player functionality. The redesign, Friends 2, allows you to play fictional characters in solo challenge events and includes new lightning rounds.
7. New York Times Crossword
Type of game: Crossword puzzle
Devices: iOS | Android | Windows
Price: Free to demo for a week, then $6.99/month or $39.99/year subscription options
Why you’ll love it: It’s THE classic crossword and now you can take it with you wherever you go. You’ll be able to play the daily New York Times newspaper puzzle or get access to mini puzzles, puzzle packs, or access to the 20+ years of past puzzles.
8. Word Cookies
Type of game: Word search style game
Devices: iOS | Android | Windows
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: It’s basically a modified word search game, but like WordScapes, the fun is in the little extras. With a nice and clean interface, it’s simple to play. And, you’re making cookies so win-win!
9. Wheel of Fortune
Type of game: Guess the word game
Devices: iOS | Android | Windows
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: If you love the TV show, this game gives you the ability to take your own turn at the wheel and guess the show’s puzzles. Play with friends and family, compete for prizes, and play lightning-quick rounds for a fast brain workout.
10. Letterpress
Type of game: Scrabble style game
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: The game boasts a minimal, easy-to-use interface where you can play against friends to capture the board, or challenge a bot to play. Beyond figuring out words, it’s a strategy game that’s always challenging.
11. Word Search Pro
Type of game: Word search
Devices: iOS | Android
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: If you’re looking for a simple, fun, and beautiful app to play word search games with, this is the one for you. It has a bright colorful look, daily challenges, unlimited puzzles, and three difficulty levels that make it always fun to play. With elegant animations and night mode settings, it was definitely made with mobile users in mind. And, likely because of this, it’s the #1 rated word game app in the iOS store.
12. Word Connect
Type of game: A crossword style game, combined with word search
Devices: iOS | Android | Windows
Price: Free, with in-app purchases
Why you’ll love it: This one has the classic look and feel of old school games, with loads of playability. With over 3,000 levels and no time limits, it’s a relaxing way to improve your vocabulary a little bit every day.
What do you think are the best word game apps out there? Want even more bookish app suggestions? Check out:
- The Best Reading Apps For Kids
- Bookish iPhone Apps You May Not Have Heard Of
- Poetry Apps, For Readers and Writers