# Cluekin vs Taboo: Guess the Word Party Game

> Choose the official Taboo app if you want the licensed classic with forbidden words on every card and built-in video chat for playing with people in other places; choose Cluekin if your group plays in the same room, wants to set its own timers, pass limits and scoring, and needs a game that works offline on iPhone or Android. Marmalade Game Studio's app has a local party mode for up to 10 players on one device, a free starter deck and paid extra decks. Store reviewers ask for extra time for younger players, skip penalties and a score history, and its listing does not mention offline play. Cluekin lets 2 to 6 teams take turns describing cards against the timer, with family and party modes and an optional kids card pack. Free Cluekin players may see ads; the one-time Complete Pack removes them.

Updated 2026-11-02. ODEL makes Cluekin.

| | Cluekin | Taboo: Guess the Word Party Game |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS, Android | iOS |
| Price to download | Free to download | $1.99 |
| Store rating | n/a | 4.9 (4,723 ratings, 2026-11-02) |
| Remote play | Same-room play on one phone | Built-in video chat to play together or apart |
| Local play | 2 to 6 teams pass one phone | Local party mode for up to 10 players on one device |
| House rules | Adjustable timers, pass limits and scoring | Store reviewers ask for extra time for younger players and skip penalties |
| Offline | Works offline with no account | Not mentioned on the store page |
| Ads | Free players may see ads; the one-time Complete Pack removes them | Listing calls it ad-free, though its Contains section lists advertising |
| Decks and pricing | Base cards plus optional $0.99 packs or a one-time Complete Pack (US App Store, Nov 2026) | Paid app with a free starter deck and paid extra decks |
| Languages | English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish | See the store page |

## Choose Cluekin if

- You play in the same room and want it to work with no signal
- You want to set timers, pass limits and scoring for mixed ages
- Some players use Android, or you want to play in another language

## Choose Taboo: Guess the Word Party Game if

- You want the licensed Taboo cards and rules
- You want to play over video with friends or family in other places
- You want the official app of a game your group already knows

## Questions

### Is Cluekin the same as Taboo?

No. Cluekin is a separate describe-the-word team game made by ODEL. The official Taboo app is published by Marmalade Game Studio.

### Can we play the Taboo app offline?

Its store listing does not mention offline play. Cluekin works offline and needs no account.

### Which is better for kids?

Cluekin has a family mode, an optional Child Cards Pack and adjustable timers and pass limits for younger players. Taboo app reviewers ask for extra time for younger players.

Cluekin: https://www.odel.dev/app/nesivar