Free Mini Crossword, Play Daily Without Paying
The NYT Mini went behind a paywall in August 2025. Play today's free mini right here, then see the other free options below. No subscription, no account.
1ABills and coins
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Best Free Mini Crossword Options
| Option | Platform | Cost | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Crossword Daily Mini ★ | Browser (this site) | Free | New puzzle daily + archive |
| 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 Daily MiniOur pick
FreePlay right here. A new 5x5 every day, every past puzzle open, no account.
Play today's miniWashington 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.
That is why this site has its own free mini. A new 5x5 every day, and when you finish, the whole archive is there so you can keep going. No account, no credit card, no daily limit.
Play free
Today's mini crossword
A new 5x5 every day plus the full archive, right in your browser. No account, no limit.
Play nowFrequently Asked Questions
Is there a free NYT Mini alternative with no paywall?
Yes. You can play a free mini crossword right on this page, with a new one every day and the full archive open. LA Times, USA Today and the Washington Post also offer free daily crosswords in the browser. None of these need an NYT subscription.
Can I play a daily mini crossword without an account?
Yes. The mini on this page needs no account or sign-up, and your progress saves in your browser. USA Today Quick Cross and the Washington Post Mini also work with no login.
Is there a 2 minute mini crossword I can play for free?
Yes. Our daily mini is a 5x5 grid with about ten everyday words, and most people finish in one to three minutes. USA Today Quick Cross and the Washington Post Mini run in about the same time.
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.
Where can I play a free mini crossword every day?
Right here: a new mini every day, plus every past puzzle in the archive. LA Times, USA Today and the Washington Post also offer one free daily crossword in the browser.
Can I play more than one mini a day?
Yes. When you finish today's puzzle, the archive has every past mini, so you can keep going as long as you like. There is no daily limit.