AI CrosswordNo subscription needed
Free Alternatives to Every NYT Game
NYT is moving games behind a paywall. Here are free alternatives you can play right now -- no subscription, no account.
| NYT Game | Status | Top free alternative |
|---|---|---|
| NYT Mini Crossword | Moving behind paywall | AI Crossword Maker |
| NYT Connections | Free (for now) | AI Crossword Maker |
| NYT Strands | Free (for now) | Word Search Pro |
| NYT Spelling Bee | Partially paywalled | Spelling Bee (free clones) |
| NYT Wordle | Free | Quordle |
NYT Mini Crossword
Moving behind paywallAI Crossword MakerOur pick
Mini crosswords on any topic. 3 free puzzles daily, more with Crossword+. No account required.
USA Today Quick Cross
Free daily mini crossword in the browser. Slightly easier than the NYT Mini.
Washington Post Mini
Free daily mini in the browser. Difficulty varies more than the NYT Mini.
NYT Connections
Free (for now)AI Crossword MakerOur pick
Not the same format, but the same "figure out the theme" satisfaction. Generate themed crosswords on any topic.
Contexto
Guess the secret word using semantic distance. Similar "find the connection" feeling.
NYT Strands
Free (for now)Word Search Pro
Classic word search puzzles with themed categories. Free with ads.
Skip the paywall
AI Crossword Maker gives you 3 free puzzles daily. Crossword+ unlocks unlimited.
Download on theApp StoreNYT Spelling Bee
Partially paywalledSpelling Bee (free clones)
Several free web-based clones replicate the Spelling Bee format. Search "free spelling bee game" for current options.
NYT Wordle
FreeQuordle
Solve 4 Wordles at once. Hosted by Merriam-Webster. Free daily.
Dordle
Two Wordles simultaneously. Good stepping stone to Quordle.
Free download
Skip the paywall. Start with 3 free puzzles daily.
AI Crossword Maker generates crosswords on any topic. Free to download on iPhone.
Download on theApp Store