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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

Four in a Row. alternatives

Users often seek alternatives to 'Four in a Row' due to persistent issues with intrusive ads, slow loading times, and a challenging or inconsistent AI difficulty. Many look for a more stable and less interrupted gameplay experience, especially for online or multiplayer modes.

Why users look for alternatives to Four in a Row.

The alternatives

Four In A Row
4.6★ · 113,918 ratings · Free

This alternative offers challenging AI and custom difficulty settings, making it suitable for players who enjoy a competitive single-player experience. It also allows for changing game settings and difficulty.

Better for: Players who want a challenging single-player experience against an AI that is described as 'smart' and 'tricky' R14R29. It's also good for those who appreciate a bare-bones game for fast solo practice R2 and find it entertaining for passing time R32.

Head-to-head: Four in a Row. vs Four In A Row
4 in a Row Classic Connect
4.4★ · 36,036 ratings · Free

This app is generally seen as a straightforward Connect 4 game, suitable for casual play, though some users find the AI too easy. It is noted for being a good game for kids.

Better for: Casual players or children who want a simple Connect 4 experience without much challenge R65R67. However, be aware of frequent ad interruptions R68R71.

Head-to-head: Four in a Row. vs 4 in a Row Classic Connect
Four In A Row Connect
4.8★ · 12,259 ratings · Free

This game is praised for its good gameplay and sound effects, and some users appreciate that it doesn't require in-app purchases. However, it is heavily criticized for an overwhelming number of ads, some of which block the game board.

Better for: Players who prioritize good gameplay and sound effects R83 and prefer a game without required purchases . However, users must be willing to tolerate a high volume of ads, some of which obstruct the view of the game R79R85R87.

Head-to-head: Four in a Row. vs Four In A Row Connect
4 In A Row Board Game Connect
4.5★ · 4,491 ratings · Free

This alternative offers a challenging CPU and is considered a good simulation of the real-life Connect 4 game. It provides a one-time fee to remove ads, but lacks customization options for player names and piece colors.

Better for: Players seeking a challenging single-player experience against a CPU R97 and those who appreciate a realistic simulation of the physical board game R97. It's also suitable for users who prefer a one-time payment to remove ads R93. However, it may not suit those who want to customize player names or piece colors R93 or rely on online multiplayer, which has been reported as buggy R96.

Head-to-head: Four in a Row. vs 4 In A Row Board Game Connect
Four in a Row
4.1★ · 4,248 ratings · Free

This version is noted for having a good AI that provides a balanced challenge, with some users appreciating the absence of ads. However, it has reported issues with crashing and the inability to consistently turn off sound.

Better for: Players looking for a balanced AI challenge and those who prefer a game with minimal or no ads . It's also good for passing time on trains, planes, and cars R109. However, users should be aware of potential crashes R108 and sound control issues R107R110R116.

Head-to-head: Four in a Row. vs Four in a Row
Stick with Four in a Row. if

You prioritize a bare-bones, ad-free experience for fast solo practice and don't mind a challenging AI, as some users praise its simplicity and lack of ads R2.

Evidence note: No alternative had too few reviews to judge.

Frequently asked

Are there ad-free versions of Four in a Row games?
Yes, some versions offer an ad-free experience, either by being bare-bones with no ads R2 or by offering a one-time purchase to remove ads R51R93.
Is the AI challenging in these Four in a Row games?
The AI challenge varies significantly across different Four in a Row apps; some users find the AI too hard even on easy mode R1R10, while others find it too easy or predictable R18R65R67. Some versions are praised for having a smart and tricky AI R14R97.
Do any of these apps have working online multiplayer?
Online multiplayer functionality is inconsistent; some users report it not working, with issues like moves not registering or difficulties connecting R19R34R96, while other apps are noted for lacking online play entirely (R82, R54 describes 'fake online' play).
Can I turn off the sound in these Four in a Row apps?
The ability to turn off sound is often problematic; some users report that the 'sound off' feature doesn't work, and sounds continue to play despite settings R21R107R110R116.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R13] Four in a Row. 2/5 · US APP: This app loads slow. The advertisements are too long and Hard to get rid.
  2. [R28] Four in a Row. 1/5 · US Good game, bad scam.: The game isn't self isn't bad, it's the fact it bombards you with ads. I understand fully that it's free but it also sends you out of the ap countless times and gives messages like "free phone" to the player that could cause a virus. So I you want to play this cute game while waiting. Get it somewhere else. Don't risk your phone.
  3. [R39] Four in a Row. 1/5 · US X: It WAS a fun game until they added a FLASHING AD at the bottom. You can't make it go away -VERY IRRITATING! I'll never play it again, or any other game with flashing ads.
  4. [R51] Four In A Row 1/5 · US Stop pestering me to rate the game.: Initially rated it four stars and even purchased the no ad version…but every other game it keeps pestering me to rate the game…so now you get one star. Feels like a rip off to buy no ads if you’re going to continue to interrupt the flow of my game with your pop up rating request AFTER I already rated you…fix this, and I’ll fix my rating back.
  5. [R1] Four in a Row. 1/5 · US Robot: The robot in the 1player mode was too hard even in easy mode
  6. [R3] Four in a Row. 3/5 · US 4 in a row: Tough game to win!
  7. [R10] Four in a Row. 1/5 · US Briley: It kinda is hard when you're on easy level it still is hard
  8. [R17] Four in a Row. 4/5 · US There is a bug on mine, beside that great game: The game is ok, but when I click easy, it’s hard. I might not be good at four in a row, but I just think it’s weird. Great game tho. I recommend it to everyone.
  9. [R19] Four in a Row. 1/5 · US Network mode not working: Opponent move does not register unless you exit game play and return to board. This used to work but now unplayable. Please fix. I have iPhone 6. Same issue still exist
  10. [R22] Four in a Row. 1/5 · US Fun but 1 problem: The game is fun in all but you play rounds and it freezes ❄️ then glitches 👾 that’s why I’m getting rid of this app. 👎🏻👾😢👎🏻👾😥👎🏻
  11. [R24] Four in a Row. 3/5 · GB OK: Says there's a game in progress when there is none
  12. [R34] Four in a Row. 2/5 · US Network Play? Not Impressed.: The kids liked to play this game until they started network play with the grandparents. It can't seem to determine when a game has begun, after 2-3 starts it finally seems to work, except every move they have to exit to the main menu and select network play and reselect the game once it can determine whose play it is. Kids are so frustrated they no longer want to pl
  13. [R7] Four in a Row. 2/5 · US Interrupted: They interrupted us so I could write this review. Amazing!
  14. [R21] Four in a Row. 3/5 · GB Good for waiting rooms.: I find this great to play while waiting for appointments but turned sound off. I find sound annoying. Grandson of 5 loves playing it too.
  15. [R2] Four in a Row. 5/5 · US This is the one: Bare bones and NO ADS. Perfect for fast playing and solo practice
  16. [R14] Four in a Row. 5/5 · US Smart AI: On the hardest level against the AI is tough, but not impossible. Although the AI is tricky it will use a diversion to keep you occupied, then it will strike where you least expect it. So when you least expect it, EXPECT IT!
  17. [R29] Four in a Row. 5/5 · US Really entertaining and addictive!!: Really fun and every time you play against the computer you want to win.
  18. [R32] Four in a Row. 5/5 · US Great game: Very entertaining. Keeps me entertained on a plane, waiting for appointments, and so forth.
  19. [R65] 4 in a Row Classic Connect 1/5 · US There is no challenge: When playing this there is no challenge. The computer doesn’t make any effort to block you or make the game competitive. You don’t have to think at all, so it makes it boring and uninteresting.
  20. [R67] 4 in a Row Classic Connect 3/5 · US Too easy: The computer is too easy
  21. [R68] 4 in a Row Classic Connect 1/5 · US Too many ads: You spend more time forced into watching ads than you do playing the game.
  22. [R71] 4 in a Row Classic Connect 1/5 · US Adds: The ads are terrible they lock up there game
  23. [R79] Four In A Row Connect 2/5 · US Way too many ads: The game is not the issue, it’s the amount of ads that they force you to watch to continue playing. Ruins it
  24. [R83] Four In A Row Connect 5/5 · US Very good: Not that many adds nice sound effects and perfect gameplay
  25. [R85] Four In A Row Connect 1/5 · US Nothing but ads: The game itself is fun but it has ads you can’t get out off to many ads
  26. [R87] Four In A Row Connect 1/5 · US Too many ads: The ads are getting more and more annoying. I can’t get out of the,loop.
  27. [R93] 4 In A Row Board Game Connect 2/5 · US Not customizable enough: Pro: Charges a nominal one-time fee to remove ads. Cons: Won’t let you personalize the player names in two-person mode (forces you to use the generic “Player One, Player Two”). Won’t allow you to change the piece’s colors. I expected the paid version to have more flexibility; a little disappointing.
  28. [R96] 4 In A Row Board Game Connect 1/5 · US Can’t share play: The share play doesn’t work and I can’t invite my friends. Every time it just gets stuck loading for whoever is trying to join.
  29. [R97] 4 In A Row Board Game Connect 5/5 · US Great game because it’s like real life Connect 4!: I love this game! It has a great range of difficulty and has great gameplay, but either the starting CPU is a bit hard, or it’s just a skill issue. But it’s a great simulation of the real thing! *****
  30. [R98] 4 In A Row Board Game Connect 3/5 · US Nhận xét cho trò chơi này: Trò chơi này là một trò chơi rất trí tuệ và rất vui.😃 Tuy nhiên trò chơi này cần phải có Internet mới có thể sử dụng được. Nếu không có Internet thì sẽ không chơi được, như đi máy bay.😡 Trò chơi này phải rất thông minh mới thắng được khi chơi một người.
  31. [R107] Four in a Row 2/5 · US Good but: The “sound off” feature doesn’t work
  32. [R108] Four in a Row 4/5 · US Crashes: When I’m winning the game seems to crash a lot. I like the game. But that has to be fixed.
  33. [R109] Four in a Row 3/5 · US Game has a few bugs: Game has some bugs but is otherwise good time-waster for trains, planes, and cars.
  34. [R110] Four in a Row 1/5 · US You can’t turn the sound off!!: If you’re at work, in a meeting and board out of your mind, the very last thing you want is for the boss to hear you playing games on your phone. That’s why I turn the sound off on all my games. But this game now has the sound on no matter what you have it set on!! Let me turn the sound off if I want to or I’m deleting the game! 😡
  35. [R18] Four in a Row. 3/5 · US Fun: Like it, but I win a lot (more than 4 times out of 5, when I'm trying) ... game doesn't seem to anticipate the set-ups too well. Good, though, for putting your brain in neutral for a while.
  36. [R54] Four In A Row 1/5 · US Fake online: Played the same guy for 3 days in a row in online play. Never won a single game, was definitely just the difficulty cranked up to the hardest setting. A shame
  37. [R82] Four In A Row Connect 1/5 · US Online play?: There’s no online play on this
  38. [R116] Four in a Row 1/5 · US Cannot turn sound off.: Go to the setting turn sound off. Sound still plays.

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store