Best NYT Mini Alternatives (2025): Free Games You’ll Love
Last update: 9/5/2025
The Best Free NYT Mini Crossword Alternatives to Play Online
The New York Times Mini Crossword has long been a quick, daily ritual for millions. But with the puzzle now locked behind a subscription, players are looking for free NYT Mini alternatives to satisfy their crossword craving.
Fortunately, there are plenty of options, from apps and websites with mini crosswords to free puzzles from major newspapers, plus other New York Times games that remain free. Below is the most complete guide to free NYT Mini Crossword alternatives, including where to play, unique features, and why each option is worth your time.
Daily Mini Crossword by Wordtips
We just launched a fun and free daily Mini Crossword puzzle alternative to the NYT Mini. Sharpen your skills, challenge your brain, and enjoy unlimited daily crosswords without a paywall.
1. Digital & App Based Mini Crossword Alternatives
Crosshare
Launched as an open source crossword sharing platform, Crosshare has become a favorite among indie puzzle creators and solvers. It’s community driven, meaning anyone can create and publish crosswords, including minis and cryptics. Players can also compare solve times, making it a great NYT Mini replacement.
- Where to play: Web (mobile friendly; add to home screen)
- Features: Open source, daily mini crosswords, themed & cryptic options, community interaction.
- Why it’s good: Free forever, highly creative, with a growing archive of puzzles.
Crossherd (by Clevergoat)
Crossherd puts a modern, playful spin on the mini crossword. It’s designed to be quick, colorful, and shareable, with grid results that resemble Wordle’s format. The game lets you use hints (purple tiles show where hints helped) and post results online, making it social and fun.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Daily free puzzles, social sharing, hint based solving.
- Why it’s good: Combines the speed of a mini with the viral fun of Wordle.
Mini Crossword Daily App
Download on iOS → | Download on Android →
This dedicated app offers exactly what its name promises, a free daily mini crossword, designed to be completed in just a few minutes. It’s lightweight, beginner friendly, and works offline.
- Where to play: iOS & Android app
- Features: Daily 5x5 minis, offline mode, simple design.
- Why it’s good: Ideal for commuters or casual solvers who want a direct replacement for the NYT Mini.
OmniCrosswords
OmniCrosswords aggregates multiple crossword sources, including The Washington Post, NYT syndicated minis, and indie creations, into a single app. It’s like a crossword hub, with several puzzles refreshed daily.
- Where to play: iOS app
- Features: Multiple daily minis, variety of sources, one central hub.
- Why it’s good: One of the most complete free crossword collections in one place.
Redstone Crossword App
Download on iOS → | Download on Android →
A popular crossword app with a mix of large and mini puzzles, Redstone offers thousands of free crosswords at different difficulty levels. While not exclusively minis, it has a large archive of quick challenges.
- Where to play: iOS & Android app
- Features: Huge puzzle archive, hints system, mini options.
- Why it’s good: Great if you want variety, not just one daily mini.
MiniCrossword.io
This site has built a reputation for its themed mini crosswords, appealing to players who enjoy trivia or pop culture references. It offers competitive time tracking and a wide range of topics.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Daily free minis, themed puzzles, solve time comparisons.
- Why it’s good: Perfect for solvers who want to combine crossword play with topical themes.
2. Newspaper & Magazine Based Mini Crosswords
Several major newspapers continue to offer free daily mini crosswords online.
USA Today Daily Crossword & Quick Cross
USA Today’s puzzle section includes a Daily Mini Crossword, Quick Cross, and even a 2 Minute Mini designed for speed solving. Their app also includes Sudoku and 7 Little Words.
- Where to play: Web + iOS & Android apps
- Features: Multiple mini formats, modern cluing, accessible for all skill levels.
- Why it’s good: Strong competitor to NYT Mini, with official apps and free daily play.
Los Angeles Times Mini Crossword
The LA Times Mini is known for being a bit more challenging than the NYT Mini, often with trickier clues and clever wordplay. It has been running online for years and remains free (with ads).
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Daily free mini, slightly harder than NYT Mini.
- Why it’s good: Perfect for solvers who want more of a challenge without paying.
Seattle Times Mini Crossword
The Seattle Times Mini offers a straightforward daily puzzle. It’s been a staple of their games section for years and remains completely free.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Classic mini crossword format.
- Why it’s good: Simple, no frills, dependable daily fix.
Boston Globe Mini Crossword
The Boston Globe runs a daily mini crossword alongside its full size crosswords. Known for its sharp editing, it’s a regional favorite now accessible nationwide.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Free daily mini.
- Why it’s good: East Coast vibe with consistent puzzle quality.
The Atlantic Mini Crossword
The Atlantic has a daily mini crossword that often leans into current events and cultural references. It’s been part of their growing digital games section since 2021.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Daily mini with modern clues.
- Why it’s good: Engaging for solvers who like timely and cultural puzzles.
The New Yorker Mini Crossword
Play The New Yorker Crosswords →
The New Yorker publishes free mini crosswords weekly (Thu–Fri). Their minis are slightly larger (7x7) and witty, reflecting the magazine’s style.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Free weekly minis, sharp wordplay.
- Why it’s good: Sophisticated and unique take on the mini format.
SF Gate California Mini Crossword
SF Gate’s mini crossword has a California twist, often referencing local culture, landmarks, and slang.
- Where to play: Web
- Features: Regional themes, daily free play.
- Why it’s good: Quirky, fun for West Coast players (or those who wish they were).
3. Free New York Times Games (Still Available)
The NYT Mini may be paywalled, but several NYT puzzle games remain free:
- Wordle – The viral 5-letter guessing game.
- Connections – Group words into categories.
- Strands – Word search with a theme.
- Spelling Bee – Free daily sampler.
These are still NYT free puzzles and can slot into your daily routine alongside other minis.
4. Other Fun Puzzle Game Alternatives
Looking beyond crosswords, here are other free puzzle games to keep your brain sharp:
- Waffle Game – Rearrange scrambled words in a waffle grid.
- Words With Friends – Scrabble style multiplayer.
- Scrabble Go – Official Scrabble app.
- Lex Games Minis – Indie daily mini crosswords.
- Down for a Cross – Multiplayer cooperative crossword solving.
- Syllacrostic – Hybrid crossword/word puzzle.
- 7 Little Words – Tile based word puzzle.
Pro Tip: Use Your Library Card
Many public libraries in the U.S. provide free digital access to the New York Times, including its Games section. You can log in with your card and request a daily access code, allowing you to play the NYT Mini without paying.
FAQ: NYT Mini Crossword Alternatives
Is the NYT Mini Crossword free anymore?
No. As of August 2025, the Mini is behind the NYT Games subscription paywall.
What are the best free NYT Mini alternatives?
Top picks include Crosshare, USA Today Quick Cross, and LA Times Mini Crossword.
Can I still play the NYT Mini for free with my library card?
Yes, many libraries provide free NYT access, including Games. Check your library’s website.
Which apps have the best free mini crosswords?
Mini Crossword Daily, OmniCrosswords, and Redstone Crosswords.
What free NYT puzzle games are still available?
Wordle, Connections, Strands, and Spelling Bee.
What’s the hardest free alternative to the NYT Mini?
The LA Times Mini and The New Yorker Mini are generally trickier than the NYT Mini.