10 Best Sudoku Apps for iPhone and Android in 2026

With thousands of Sudoku apps available on the App Store and Google Play, finding the right one can feel like solving a puzzle itself. Some are cluttered with ads, others lack features, and many haven't been updated in years.

We've tested dozens of Sudoku apps to bring you the 10 best options for 2026—covering everything from classic Sudoku to innovative twists that breathe new life into the genre. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's an app here for you.

What We Looked For

Our evaluation criteria:

• Puzzle quality — Well-designed puzzles with unique solutions
• User interface — Clean, intuitive design that doesn't get in the way
• Ad experience — Minimal or non-intrusive advertising
• Features — Hints, notes, undo, statistics, and other helpful tools
• Offline play — Ability to play without an internet connection
• Regular updates — Active development and fresh content

1. Sudoku Blox — Best for a Fresh Take on Sudoku

Available on: iOS, Android, and Web

Sudoku Blox reimagines Sudoku by replacing individual number entry with shaped puzzle pieces. Instead of typing digits into cells, you drag and place polyomino-shaped blocks onto the 9×9 grid. Each piece contains the correct numbers for its position, but you need to figure out where each piece belongs using Sudoku logic.

It's the perfect app for players who love Sudoku but want something that feels genuinely new. The piece-placement mechanic adds a spatial dimension that traditional Sudoku apps can't match.

Why we love it:

• Unique gameplay that combines Sudoku logic with block puzzle mechanics
• One new daily puzzle keeps you coming back without overwhelming you
• Clean, modern interface with no clutter
• Play on your phone or directly in your browser at puzzlefind.com/sudokublox
• No aggressive ads or paywalls

2. Sudoku.com — Best for Beginners

Available on: iOS, Android

Sudoku.com by Easybrain is one of the most polished classic Sudoku apps available. It offers four difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert) with a clean interface and helpful features for newcomers. The app includes auto-check for errors, pencil marks, and a hint system that teaches you solving techniques rather than just giving away answers.

Why we love it:

• Excellent tutorial system for beginners
• Daily challenges with seasonal events
• Statistics tracking to monitor your progress
• Dark mode for comfortable nighttime play

3. Good Sudoku — Best Design

Available on: iOS (Apple Arcade)

Good Sudoku by Zach Gage is a masterclass in puzzle game design. It features an intelligent hint system that highlights possible numbers and uses color coding to help you spot patterns. The "auto-notes" feature automatically fills in pencil marks, letting you focus on the logic rather than bookkeeping.

Why we love it:

• Beautiful, minimalist design
• Smart assistance that teaches without spoiling
• Arcade mode for a faster-paced experience
• No ads (part of Apple Arcade)

4. Andoku 3 — Best for Advanced Players

Available on: iOS, Android

Andoku 3 is the power user's Sudoku app. Beyond standard 9×9 puzzles, it offers Hyper Sudoku, X-Sudoku, and Color Sudoku variants. The app includes eight difficulty levels—far more granularity than most competitors—making it ideal for players who've outgrown the typical Easy/Medium/Hard structure.

Why we love it:

• Eight difficulty levels for precise challenge matching
• Multiple Sudoku variants in one app
• Detailed solving statistics and history
• Completely free with no ads

5. NYT Sudoku — Best Daily Ritual

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

The New York Times Sudoku offers three puzzles daily (Easy, Medium, Hard) with the same editorial quality you'd expect from the NYT. It's part of the NYT Games subscription, which also includes the famous Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee. If you want a curated daily puzzle experience from a trusted source, this is it.

Why we love it:

• Expertly crafted daily puzzles
• Part of a broader puzzle ecosystem (Wordle, Connections, etc.)
• Clean, ad-free experience
• Streak tracking for motivation

6. Sudoku Master Edition — Best Offline Experience

Available on: iOS, Android

If you frequently play without internet access—on flights, in the subway, or in areas with poor connectivity—Sudoku Master Edition is your best bet. It generates puzzles locally, so you never need a connection. The app stores thousands of pre-generated puzzles across all difficulty levels.

Why we love it:

• 100% offline functionality
• Thousands of puzzles available without downloading
• Multiple input methods (tap, swipe, keyboard)
• Lightweight app that doesn't drain battery

7. Killer Sudoku by Shootout — Best Variant

Available on: iOS, Android

Killer Sudoku adds a mathematical twist to the classic formula. Instead of pre-filled numbers as clues, you get "cages"—groups of cells with a target sum. You must fill in numbers that add up to the target while still following standard Sudoku rules. It's a fantastic next step for players who've mastered regular Sudoku.

Why we love it:

• Adds genuine arithmetic challenge to Sudoku
• Hundreds of hand-crafted puzzles
• Helpful cage-sum reference tool
• Great for players who want more challenge

8. Sudoku Joy — Best for Casual Players

Available on: iOS, Android

Sudoku Joy focuses on making the experience as pleasant as possible. It features customizable themes, relaxing background music, and gentle animations. The difficulty ramps up gradually, and the app celebrates your completions with satisfying visual effects. It's Sudoku designed to make you smile.

Why we love it:

• Beautiful themes and customization options
• Relaxing ambient sounds
• Gentle difficulty progression
• Perfect for stress-free play

9. SudokuPad — Best for Puzzle Enthusiasts

Available on: iOS, Android, Web

SudokuPad is the app of choice for the competitive Sudoku community. It supports importing puzzles from popular Sudoku creators and channels like Cracking the Cryptic. The app handles complex variant rules, multi-colored pencil marks, and advanced notation that serious solvers need.

Why we love it:

• Supports virtually every Sudoku variant
• Import puzzles from online creators
• Advanced notation and coloring tools
• Active community of puzzle enthusiasts

10. Woodoku — Best Sudoku-Block Hybrid

Available on: iOS, Android

Woodoku blends Sudoku-style grid clearing with block puzzle placement. You place wooden-textured pieces onto a 9×9 grid, clearing rows, columns, or 3×3 boxes when they're completely filled. While it doesn't follow traditional Sudoku number rules, it captures the satisfying grid-completion feeling in a more casual format.

Why we love it:

• Satisfying wood-themed aesthetics
• Easy to learn, hard to master
• Endless gameplay with no time pressure
• Great casual alternative to strict Sudoku

If you enjoy Woodoku's block-placement concept but want the full logical depth of real Sudoku rules, Sudoku Blox is the natural next step. It gives you the same piece-placement satisfaction with genuine Sudoku logic underneath.

How to Choose the Right Sudoku App

With so many great options, here's a quick guide:

• Want something new and innovative? → Sudoku Blox
• Just starting out? → Sudoku.com
• Want the best design? → Good Sudoku
• Advanced solver? → Andoku 3 or SudokuPad
• Want a daily ritual? → NYT Sudoku or Sudoku Blox
• Play offline? → Sudoku Master Edition
• Want a variant? → Killer Sudoku
• Casual relaxation? → Sudoku Joy

Final Thoughts

The Sudoku app landscape in 2026 is richer than ever. Whether you prefer the pure logic of classic Sudoku, the innovative piece-placement of Sudoku Blox, or the mathematical challenge of Killer Sudoku, there's a perfect app waiting for you.

Our advice: don't limit yourself to just one. Try a few from this list, find the ones that click with you, and build a daily puzzle habit. Your brain will thank you—and you might just discover a new favorite way to spend your morning coffee break.