AI CrosswordComparison
Crossword Labs vs AI Crossword Maker
Crossword Labs is one of the most popular free crossword generators on the web. AI Crossword Maker takes a fundamentally different approach. Here is how they stack up.
| Feature | AI Crossword | Crossword Labs |
|---|---|---|
| Puzzle creation | AI-generated from topic | Manual word + clue entry |
| Time to create | ~10 seconds | 10-15 minutes |
| Clue quality | AI-written, often clever | You write them |
| Price | Free | Free (ads) / $4.95/mo |
| Platform | iPhone app | Web browser |
| Grid sizes | 5x5 to 15x15 | Auto-sized |
| Printable | Via screenshot | Yes (PDF) |
| Account required | No | No |
Manual vs AI-powered
The biggest difference is how puzzles get made. With Crossword Labs, you type every word and clue by hand. The tool arranges them into a grid. With AI Crossword Maker, you type a topic and the AI generates the words, clues, and grid automatically. A puzzle that takes 10-15 minutes on Crossword Labs takes about 10 seconds with AI.
Clue quality
On Crossword Labs, you write the clues. If you are good at writing clues, the quality is whatever you make it. AI Crossword Maker generates clues automatically that range from straightforward definitions to more creative, NYT-style wordplay. For most people, the AI clues are better than what they would write themselves.
Sharing and solving
Crossword Labs generates a shareable link and a printable PDF. AI Crossword Maker is a native iPhone app with a polished solving experience, hints, and sharing via deep links. The trade-off: Crossword Labs works on any browser, while AI Crossword Maker requires an iPhone.
Price
Both are free. Crossword Labs has a premium tier ($4.95/month) for removing ads and watermarks. AI Crossword Maker is free with 3 puzzles per day and no ads or watermarks.
The verdict
The verdict
If you need total control over every word and clue, or you need a browser-based tool, Crossword Labs is solid. If you want a finished puzzle fast and do not want to write clues by hand, AI Crossword Maker saves a lot of time. People who switch to AI generation consistently say they will never go back to manual entry.
Questions
Is Crossword Labs free?
The basic version is free with ads and a watermark on exports. The premium version ($4.95/month) removes both.
Does AI Crossword Maker work on desktop?
Currently it is iPhone only. You can play puzzles on this website in any browser.
Which is faster for making puzzles?
AI Crossword Maker. Type a topic and get a ready-to-solve puzzle in seconds. No need to think of words or write each clue manually.
Can I print puzzles from AI Crossword Maker?
You can screenshot and print. A dedicated print/export feature is coming soon.