Crossword puzzles are more accessible than ever in 2026, with world-class digital platforms alongside a thriving print market. Whether you want to solve on your phone during a commute, sit with a quality paperback on a Sunday morning, or do both, the options are better than ever. Here are the five best crossword resources - digital and print - worth investing in this year.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Format | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY Times Crossword Companion Books | Devoted daily solvers | ★★★★★ | |
| NY Times Best of Friday Crosswords | Hard-puzzle enthusiasts | ★★★★★ | |
| Will Shortz Crossword Puzzle Collections | Branded prestige gift | ★★★★☆ | |
| Crossword Puzzle Book for Adults Large Print | Accessibility-focused solvers | ★★★★☆ | |
| Crossword Puzzle Solver Books and Dictionaries | Print reference | Improving digital solvers | ★★★★☆ |
1. NY Times Crossword Companion Books
The New York Times publishes an extensive library of crossword compilation books, making their digital subscription puzzle catalog available in a tactile, offline format. These companion volumes compile themed weeks, seasonal puzzles, and difficulty-specific collections (Monday only, Easy, Hard, etc.) from the NYT archives. The quality is exceptionally high - every puzzle is a genuine NYT crossword with accurate cluing and clean construction. For digital subscribers, these books offer a way to revisit favorite puzzles in print or discover back-catalog gems they missed. Perfect for gifting to a crossword-obsessed friend or family member.
2. NY Times Best of Friday Crosswords
The NY Times Best of Friday series specifically curates some of the most beloved hard puzzles from the NYT archives - Friday puzzles are the trickiest weekday grids, featuring clever misdirection and wordplay rather than trivia. These collections are a must-have for solvers who find Monday-through-Thursday too easy and prefer a genuine challenge. Each book includes editor notes from Will Shortz and occasionally from the original constructors, adding depth to the solving experience. These books also pair beautifully with a digital NYT Games subscription for those who solve online during the week and want a print collection for weekends.
3. Will Shortz Crossword Puzzle Collections
Will Shortz, the NY Times crossword editor since 1993 and the world’s only academic puzzleologist, lends his name to several crossword compilation series that carry his editorial stamp of approval. These collections span easy through expert difficulty and often have thematic cohesion - seasonal, genre-based, or era-based. The Shortz brand signals quality to any crossword fan, making these books an excellent gift even for people who already subscribe to digital platforms. The omnibus volumes offer exceptional per-puzzle value with 200+ puzzles in a single volume.
4. Crossword Puzzle Books for Adults - Large Print
For crossword fans who primarily use digital platforms but want a print option that is easy on the eyes, large-print adult crossword books provide the best of both worlds. These books feature oversized grids and clue text that makes offline solving relaxed and enjoyable rather than a strain. Many large-print collections are available across a range of difficulty levels, so dedicated digital solvers can choose a challenge level that matches their app experience. They also make thoughtful gifts for older family members who are inspired to start crosswords after seeing a younger relative enjoy them online.
5. Crossword Puzzle Solver Books and Dictionaries
Crossword dictionaries and solver references are an underrated resource for anyone who does crosswords - digital or print. These books catalog common crossword answers, abbreviations, constructors’ favorite clue patterns, and wordplay conventions. A quality crossword dictionary can turn a frustrating puzzle experience into an educational one, helping you understand why the answer to “River through France” is always “RHONE” and not “SEINE.” For digital platform users who want to improve their solve times and reduce hint usage, these reference books are a genuinely valuable companion to keep nearby.
What to Look For
Platform Compatibility - If you primarily solve digitally, look for companion print books that match the difficulty level and style of your preferred app. NY Times books are the obvious match for NYTimes.com or the NY Times Games app.
Editorial Quality - Not all crossword books are created equal. Books edited by Will Shortz or published under the NY Times banner have the highest editorial standards - clean cluing, fair wordplay, and verified accuracy.
Thematic vs. General - Themed collections (Best of Friday, Holiday Crosswords, etc.) are great for gifts or targeted practice. General omnibus volumes are better for long-term daily use.
Volume Count - For daily solvers, aim for books with at least 100 puzzles. Occasional solvers can get great value from a 50-puzzle collection that lasts months.
Reference Value - A crossword dictionary or solver guide has long-term reference value beyond any single puzzle collection. It is a one-time investment that improves every future solving session.
Final Thoughts
The best crossword experience in 2026 combines a quality digital platform with a trusted print collection for offline sessions. NY Times puzzle books are the gold standard for print, while a NY Times Games digital subscription is the best app experience available. Will Shortz omnibus volumes make premium gifts. Large-print editions serve solvers who need accessibility, and reference dictionaries help everyone improve over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NY Times crossword subscription worth it for puzzle fans?+
Yes, the NY Times crossword subscription offers daily puzzles including the flagship daily grid, the Mini crossword (free), Spelling Bee, and Wordle. For serious crossword fans who want fresh, high-quality content every single day at multiple difficulty levels, the subscription cost is very reasonable, especially when bundled with NY Times Games.
What is the best companion book for digital crossword players?+
NY Times Best of the Week crossword compilation books make ideal companions for digital subscribers who also want a print collection. They compile the best puzzles from specific themed weeks and are edited to the same standard as the app puzzles. Puzzlewright and Andrews McMeel also publish collections that complement a digital habit with offline practice.
Are crossword apps better than puzzle books for brain training?+
Both formats offer cognitive benefits. Digital apps provide immediate feedback, streak tracking, and hints which help learners improve faster. Physical books develop persistence and spatial reasoning without digital crutches. Many serious solvers use both - apps for daily practice and books for deep-focus sessions without screen distraction.