7 Best Connections Game Alternatives to Play Free in 2026
Love the NYT Connections puzzle? Here are seven free Connections-style category games you can play in a browser — no signup, no ads.
NYT Connections turned category sorting into a daily habit for millions of players. If you finish today's grid and want more of that same "aha — they're all types of knots" feeling, here are the best free Connections alternatives worth bookmarking.
What makes a great Connections-style game
The magic is misdirection. Sixteen words look like they belong to obvious groups, but the real groups only click once you notice a shared theme. The best alternatives keep that same wordplay-first design without adding ads, popups, or forced signup.
1. Categories on Puzzle Theory
Categories is our free daily 4×4 category puzzle. Same rules as Connections — sort 16 words into 4 hidden groups, four mistakes allowed, "one away" hint on near misses. Pro players unlock Expert mode with a 5×5 grid and trickier overlaps.
2. Connections Companion apps
Third-party companions like Connections Unlimited let you play past NYT puzzles. Nice archive, but they lean on NYT's editorial output rather than shipping fresh content.
3. Grouple, Categorize, Groupies
A cluster of indie clones exists — quality varies. Look for ones that publish daily and skip trackers.
4. Categories archive at Puzzle Theory
If you're a Pro member, our archive unlocks the last 30 days of Categories puzzles so you never miss one.
Where to start
If you want a familiar 4×4 grid with a modern, no-signup interface, Categories is the cleanest place to land. For more Connections-adjacent picks, see our Wordle alternatives roundup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Connections alternative?
Puzzle Theory's Categories game offers the same 4×4 category-sorting format free daily, plus an Expert 5×5 variant for Pro members.
Can I play past Connections puzzles?
Yes — Puzzle Theory Pro members can replay the last 30 days of Categories puzzles from the archive.
Do Connections alternatives cost money?
Most alternatives, including Puzzle Theory's Categories, are free to play with no signup required.
Are these games appropriate for all ages?
Yes. Category puzzles use everyday vocabulary and involve no violence or adult themes.
How many mistakes am I allowed?
Categories on Puzzle Theory allows four mistakes per puzzle, matching the classic Connections format.
Play a puzzle
Put the ideas from this article into practice with today's daily challenge — or browse all our games.