Search for “best logic puzzle apps” and you’ll get long lists that tell you very little about what each app is actually like. So here’s a short list instead: three free logic puzzle games worth your time, with the catch for each one spelled out.
1. Simon Tatham’s Puzzles — the one to install first
Simon Tatham’s Portable Puzzle Collection began as a set of small logic games for desktop computers, and it’s still maintained as free, open-source software. The iPhone and iPad version, published by developer Greg Hewgill, includes 38 puzzles — among them Bridges, Loopy, Mines, Net, Slant, Tents and Untangle. There’s a free Android version too, and the original collection runs on Windows, Mac and Linux, or straight in a web browser.
It costs nothing, shows no ads and has no in-app purchases. Its App Store listing says the developer doesn’t collect any data from the app. At the time of writing it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 on the US App Store.
The catch: it looks plain, and there’s no daily challenge, no streaks and no stats to chase. Each game generates fresh puzzles at the size and difficulty you choose, so it never runs out — which is either the best thing about it or the worst, depending on your evening.
Best for: variety, privacy and playing offline.
2. Logic Grid Puzzles — the classic grid-deduction format
If “logic puzzle” makes you think of the classic grid puzzle — five houses, five owners, five pets, work out who owns which — this is the dedicated app for it. Logic Grid Puzzles is made by Egghead Games, and its puzzles are licensed from Puzzle Baron, a specialist logic-puzzle publisher.
It’s free to download and comes with puzzles to start on. After that you can buy extra volumes of 100 puzzles each, or take an optional monthly subscription that unlocks 10,000 puzzles of every size. It has some thoughtful touches too, including multi-level undo, error checking, adjustable text size and a dark mode. It’s on both the App Store and Google Play.
The catch: the free puzzles are a taster, and the subscription renews automatically until you cancel it. Prices vary by country, so check the live listing in your app store before you pay.
Best for: anyone who loves “who owns the zebra?” puzzles and wants a steady supply.
3. Clues by Sam — a daily puzzle in your browser
Not strictly an app, but one of the best logic games around, and it runs in any browser at cluesbysam.com. It was created by Finnish game designer Johannes Ahvenniemi and began as a daily puzzle in May 2025.
Each day you get a grid of twenty suspects. Clues are revealed as you go, and your job is to work out who’s innocent and who’s a criminal. The clever part is that it won’t let you guess: you can only mark someone once the clues make it certain. That one rule turns it into genuine deduction practice.
The catch: one puzzle a day, and then you wait for tomorrow’s.
Best for: a daily habit that takes a few minutes.
How to judge any puzzle app before you install it
- Read the privacy label. In Apple’s App Store it’s under “App Privacy”; Google Play has a “Data safety” section. A puzzle game has no need for your location or contacts.
- Look for “In-App Purchases” next to the price. “Free” often means free to start.
- Watch for subscriptions. They renew automatically. If you take a free trial, set yourself a reminder.
- Play the free puzzles first. Only pay once you’re sure you’ll keep coming back.
Quick answers
Which should I choose if I don’t want ads or purchases at all?
Simon Tatham’s Puzzles. It’s free, has no ads or in-app purchases, and its listing says the developer collects no data.
Do I have to pay for Logic Grid Puzzles?
No — you can start free. Extra volumes and the subscription are optional.
Do I need to download Clues by Sam?
No. It runs in your phone or computer browser.
