The New York Times has become the home of daily word puzzles. After acquiring Wordle in 2022, they launched Connections in 2023 and Strands in 2024. Each game offers a unique challenge. But which one should you play?
Here's a head-to-head comparison of all three games to help you decide.
| Feature | Wordle | Connections | Strands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launched | 2021 (NYT: 2022) | 2023 | 2024 |
| Grid size | 5×1 (one word) | 16 words | 6×8 letters |
| Skill type | Vocabulary | Categorization | Word search + logic |
| Time per game | 2–5 min | 5–10 min | 5–15 min |
| Daily puzzles | Yes | Yes | Yes (+ unlimited) |
| Difficulty curve | Medium | Medium-Hard | Easy-Medium |
| Free to play | Yes (on our site) | Yes (on our site) | Yes ✅ |
Wordle is the game that started it all. You have 6 attempts to guess a 5-letter word. Each guess gives you color-coded feedback: green means correct letter in the right spot, yellow means correct letter in the wrong spot, gray means the letter isn't in the word.
Best for: Quick daily mental warm-up. Players who enjoy deduction and process of elimination.
Downside: Only one puzzle per day. Once you solve it, you're done.
Connections presents you with 16 words that need to be sorted into 4 groups of 4. Each group has a hidden theme — it could be synonyms, categories, or wordplay. You get 4 mistakes before the game ends.
Best for: Players who enjoy lateral thinking and making connections between seemingly unrelated words.
Downside: Some categories can feel obscure, and getting stuck on one group blocks progress.
Strands is the newest addition and the most visually engaging. You explore a 6×8 letter grid to find hidden words related to a theme. The Spangram — a special word spanning edge-to-edge — unlocks the puzzle's theme. There are no penalties for wrong guesses, making it the most forgiving game of the three.
Best for: Players who enjoy word searches, spatial thinking, and a relaxed puzzle experience.
Downside: Can take longer than Wordle (5-15 minutes per puzzle).
If you have 2 minutes: Play Wordle. It's quick, satisfying, and you're done.
If you have 5 minutes and want a challenge: Play Connections. Sorting words into categories is addictive.
If you have 10 minutes and want to explore: Play Strands. The grid format is more engaging, and the unlimited mode means you can keep playing.
Or play all three — they complement each other perfectly.