10 Best Chess Alternatives: Games Like Chess for iPhone (2026)

Whether you want more options like Chess or a completely different take on the same concept, our curated list of 10+ similar apps and games has you covered. Updated for 2026 with the latest ratings and comparisons.

Top Alternatives to Chess

HIARCS Chess by Applied Computer Concepts Ltd.

Play, analyse, learn & improve

Editor's Choice

🎮 Games

4.8😊(205 ratings)

$9.99

This app offers a powerful chess engine for playing, analyzing, and learning chess. It provides adjustable difficulty levels and coaching features to help players of all abilities improve their game. Analyze professional games and track your progress with an Elo rating.

What We Love

🚀 Strong chess engine
👍 Human-like play
🧠 Excellent coaching/analysis features
🔧 Customizable difficulty levels
💾 Saves and loads games well
🎨 Nice visual design

Room to Improve

🐛 Crashes and stability issues
🔍 Lacks advanced features (PGN import/export, database navigation)
🖼️ Outdated or subpar UI/UX
💤 Slow move animations
🤖 Engine strength may be overstated

Chess-Studio by Giordano Vicoli

For Serious Chess Players!!

Strong Contender

🎮 Games

4.7😊(118 ratings)

$3.99In-App Purchases

Manage and study chess databases and games in PGN format with advanced analysis tools. Supports game creation, modification, and import from various sources. Includes engine analysis, opening book management, and puzzle training.

What We Love

👍 Powerful chess database features
👍 Comprehensive analysis tools
👍 Excellent PGN management
👍 Great value for price
👍 Frequent updates and improvements
👍 Responsive developer
👍 Useful for serious chess players
👍 Integrates with iCloud/Dropbox
👍 Good for studying and training
👍 Supports Stockfish engine
👍 Easy to use for experienced users
👍 Good for remote study

Room to Improve

🐛 Steep learning curve
🐛 Occasional crashes
🐛 Unintuitive interface
🐛 Some users find it confusing
🐛 Missing dark mode
🐛 Can be buggy

Chess Pro with Coach by Mastersoft

Ginkgo World Champion Option.

Worth Considering

🎮 Games

4.7(2K ratings)

$2.99In-App Purchases

Master the classic strategy game with this comprehensive chess application. Featuring multiple play modes, training tools, and a powerful engine, it caters to both beginners and experienced players aiming for Grandmaster level. Enjoy stunning HD artwork and a challenging human-like opponent.