If you solve crosswords even semi-regularly, you eventually build a little toolkit. Some days you want a gentle nudge, other days you need a full-on lifeline. Between solver tools and puzzle-hosting sites, there’s a pretty solid ecosystem out there now, and it’s worth knowing which ones are actually useful.
Crossword Nexus
Probably the most solver-friendly all-in-one tool. You can paste in a clue, enter known letters, and it searches across multiple sources at once. It’s especially helpful for cryptic clues, partial fills, and those moments when you know the answer shape but can’t quite see the word. Being able to solve JPZ files directly on the site is a big plus, especially for indie and variety puzzles.
OneAcross
This one has a more old-school feel, but it’s still incredibly useful. You enter the clue and letter pattern, and it suggests answers along with how frequently they’ve appeared in real puzzles. That extra context is great when you’re torn between two possible fills and want the more crossword-standard option.
Pattern-based crossword solvers
https://www.wordplays.com/crossword-solver
These don’t offer much explanation, but they’re fast and effective. When you’re staring at something like “_ A _ E _” and just need to get unstuck, they do the job without fuss.
XWord Info
This is less of a solver and more of a deep reference tool. It’s invaluable if you want to look up past New York Times puzzles, see how often a clue or answer has appeared, or understand why something feels familiar. It won’t necessarily help you finish today’s grid, but it will absolutely make you a better solver over time.
On the puzzle side, the New York Times Crossword is still the benchmark.
https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords
Mondays are welcoming, Saturdays are humbling, and Sundays deliver big, thematic experiences. It’s the place most modern crossword conventions come from.
The LA Times Crossword is a bit more forgiving day to day and very consistent in style.
https://www.latimes.com/games/crossword
It’s a great daily option if you want something satisfying without quite as much bite as the NYT on harder days.
USA Today Crosswords are quick, clean, and friendly.
https://play.usatoday.com/crossword
They’re especially good for newer solvers or for days when you want a smooth solve that doesn’t lean heavily on deep trivia.
Crossword Guru
This site sits somewhere between a puzzle hub and a learning resource. It’s useful not just for finding answers, but for understanding why those answers work. If you like improving your solving skills rather than just finishing the grid, that kind of explanation goes a long way.
Most solvers end up using a mix of these. You try to solve as much as you can on your own, use a tool for a stubborn clue or two, and then maybe look up an explanation so the same trick doesn’t get you next time. That’s how people actually get better.
Crossword tools aren’t about cheating. They’re about keeping the solve enjoyable and helping you learn the language of puzzles. With the right bookmarks, even the toughest grid becomes a lot more fun to tackle. 🧩
