AI CrosswordFree Mini Crossword, Play Daily Without Paying
The NYT Mini is moving behind a paywall. Here are the best free mini crosswords you can play right now, no subscription, no account required.
AI Crossword Maker, 3 Free Puzzles Daily
Generate mini crosswords on any topic. No account. No ads. Free to download on iPhone.
Download on theApp Store(opens in new tab)Best Free Mini Crossword Options
| Option | Platform | Cost | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Crossword Maker ★ | iPhone | Free (3/day) | Any topic you choose |
| Washington Post Mini | Browser | Free | Editor-chosen daily |
| USA Today Quick Cross | Browser | Free | Editor-chosen daily |
| AARP Games Crossword | Browser | Free | Editor-chosen daily |
| NYT Mini Crossword | Browser / App | Subscription required | Editor-chosen daily |
AI Crossword MakerOur pick
Free (3/day)The only free mini crossword where you pick the topic.
Download free on iPhoneWashington Post Mini
FreeFree daily mini in the browser. No subscription needed.
Visit site (opens in new tab)USA Today Quick Cross
FreeSlightly easier than the NYT Mini. Free, no account.
Visit site (opens in new tab)AARP Games Crossword
FreeFree daily and archive crosswords. No AARP membership required.
Visit site (opens in new tab)NYT Mini Crossword
Subscription requiredThe original. Now behind the NYT Games paywall.
Visit site (opens in new tab)Why Mini Crosswords Are Worth 2 Minutes of Your Day
The NYT Mini became a daily habit for millions because it fits inside a coffee break. Five across, five down, two minutes. You feel the same satisfaction as a full crossword in a fraction of the time.
When the NYT announced it was moving games behind a paywall, searches for "mini crossword free" and "free mini crossword" spiked. People are not looking for a replacement hobby, they want the same two-minute ritual without a subscription fee.
AI Crossword Maker takes that one step further. Instead of waiting for editors to choose a topic, you type any subject you want, a TV show you just binged, a city you are visiting, your dog's name, and get a complete mini crossword in seconds. Three free puzzles a day, no account, no credit card.
Free download
Your free mini crossword is one tap away.
AI Crossword Maker generates mini crosswords on any topic. 3 free daily, no subscription, no account. Free on iPhone.
Download on theApp Store(opens in new tab)Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free NYT Mini alternative with no paywall?
Yes. AI Crossword Maker (iPhone) gives you 3 free mini crossword puzzles per day on any topic with no account required. LA Times, USA Today, and Washington Post also offer free daily crosswords in the browser. None of these require an NYT subscription.
Can I play a daily mini crossword without an account?
Yes. AI Crossword Maker requires no account -- download and start playing immediately. USA Today Quick Cross and Washington Post Mini both work in the browser with no login. LA Times lets you play without an account, though a free registration is needed to save your streak.
Is there a 2 minute mini crossword I can play for free?
AI Crossword Maker generates 5x5 mini crosswords on any topic, and most puzzles solve in 1-3 minutes. USA Today Quick Cross and Washington Post Mini both run in roughly the same time window as the original NYT Mini -- under 3 minutes for regular solvers. All are free.
Is the NYT Mini crossword still free?
No. The NYT Mini went behind the NYT Games paywall on August 27, 2025, with no advance notice. It now requires a subscription ($6 per month or $50 per year). Wordle and Connections remain free. For a free mini crossword, AI Crossword Maker is the best alternative -- 3 free puzzles daily, no account.
Where can I play a free mini crossword every day?
AI Crossword Maker (iPhone) lets you generate 3 free mini crossword puzzles per day on any topic. LA Times, USA Today, and Washington Post also offer one free daily crossword in the browser with no subscription required.
Do I need to create an account to play?
No. AI Crossword Maker requires no account, no login, and no subscription to play your 3 free daily puzzles. Download and start immediately.