Best games like Play Chess for iMessage

120+ similar games compared and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
10 free games
Updated August 2026

Play Chess for iMessage is great, but it's not the only option. Explore 120+ similar apps and games for iPhone and iPad, each reviewed and rated by real users. Find free alternatives, premium upgrades, and hidden gems.

Top Alternatives to Play Chess for iMessage

Chess.com - Play and Learn#1

Chess.com - Play and Learn by Chess.com

Online Lessons and Puzzles
Editor's Choice
🎮 Games
4.8😊(797K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
#8in Games
Chess.com - Play and Learn screenshot 1
Chess.com - Play and Learn screenshot 2
Chess.com - Play and Learn screenshot 3
Chess.com - Play and Learn screenshot 4
Chess.com - Play and Learn screenshot 5
Chess.com - Play and Learn screenshot 6

Engage in online and offline chess matches with millions of players worldwide. Improve your skills through interactive lessons, over 500,000 puzzles, and powerful AI opponents. Compete in tournaments and explore various chess variants.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent app for learning and improving chess skills
  • 🎓 Comprehensive lessons, puzzles, and analysis tools
  • 🌍 Large player base for quick matchmaking
  • 📊 Detailed game statistics and progress tracking

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent connection issues and game freezes
  • ⏱️ Unreliable and inconsistent game timers
  • 🔒 Lack of transparency around anti-cheating measures
SocialChess • Online Chess#2

SocialChess • Online Chess by Woodchop Software LLC

Play Friends, Learn, No Ads!
Strong Contender
🎮 Games
4.7😊(7.2K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
SocialChess • Online Chess screenshot 1
SocialChess • Online Chess screenshot 2
SocialChess • Online Chess screenshot 3
SocialChess • Online Chess screenshot 4
SocialChess • Online Chess screenshot 5
SocialChess • Online Chess screenshot 6

Engage in online chess matches with friends or strangers, featuring both timed and correspondence game modes. Enjoy a clean interface with no ads, advanced features, and detailed game statistics. Play offline and sync later, with options to expand game limits via in-app purchase.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent app for playing chess
  • 👍 Clean, user-friendly interface
  • 👍 Large player base and easy to find opponents
  • 👍 Ability to play slow or fast games

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional glitches and bugs
  • 🔋 Potential battery drain issues
  • 💰 Subscription fees for some features
Chess Universe - Play Online#3

Chess Universe - Play Online by Kings of Games, d.o.o.

Learn, compete & meet friends
Worth Considering
🎮 Games
4.7😊(5.8K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
Chess Universe - Play Online screenshot 1
Chess Universe - Play Online screenshot 2
Chess Universe - Play Online screenshot 3
Chess Universe - Play Online screenshot 4
Chess Universe - Play Online screenshot 5
Chess Universe - Play Online screenshot 6

Embark on a chess adventure with unique island challenges and rewards. Learn from over 1,000 lessons, play against friends or players worldwide, and master strategies with helpful tools. Unlock new content and customize your experience.

What We Love

  • 👍 Fun and interactive gameplay
  • 💡 Variety of game modes and challenges
  • 🚀 Smooth performance and quick matchmaking
  • 🎨 Customizable characters and chess boards

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Occasional connection issues and game freezes
  • 💰 Excessive in-app purchases and ads
  • 🤖 Concerns about AI opponents using engines

More games like Play Chess for iMessage

4
Chess ∙
Chess ∙
Chess ∙
by Optime Software LLC
Free

Experience a visually appealing and engaging chess game on your iPhone and iPod Touch. Play against friends or a customizable AI opponent with features like undo and automatic saving. Enjoy a free, ad-supported experience.

1 and 2 player gameplayChallenging computer opponentGreat graphics and sound
🎮 Games
(205K)
ad-supported
5
Chess for Kids: Learn to Play
Chess for Kids: Learn to Play
Chess for Kids: Learn to Play
Board game and Puzzle learning
Free

Learn chess through interactive lessons, puzzles, and games. This app offers a safe, ad-free environment for kids to develop chess skills, play against friends or bots, and join a global community.

Play free chess games online and offlineSolve over 350,000 chess puzzlesInteractive step-by-step lessons
🎮 Games
(99K)
freemium
6
Chess - Chess Online
Chess - Chess Online
Chess - Chess Online
Puzzle Games With Friends
Free

Play chess against AI or other players online. Features adjustable difficulty, hints, and multiple game modes. Save your progress and develop your strategy to become a chess master.

Selectable board skinsAdjustable game difficultyHint function
🎮 Games
(6.5K)
free with in-app purchases
7
Chess Royale
Chess Royale
Chess Royale
Play with Friends, Learn & Win
Free

Engage in the classic game of chess with millions worldwide. This app offers AI challenges, multiplayer matches, and extensive training tools including puzzles and post-game analysis to improve your strategic skills.

Play against AIMultiplayer matchesChess puzzles
🎮 Games
(20K)
free with in-app purchases
8
Chess - Learn, Play & Trainer
Chess - Learn, Play & Trainer
Chess - Learn, Play & Trainer
World Champ 2026 - 150 Levels
Free

Master the game of chess with this comprehensive app. Learn step-by-step, play against adaptive AI across 100 difficulty levels, and sharpen your skills with thousands of puzzles. Enjoy offline play and track your progress with an ELO rating.

100 difficulty levelsInteractive learning coachThousands of chess puzzles
🎮 Games
(1.5K)
freemium
9
Chess Prime 3D
Chess Prime 3D
Chess Prime 3D
Play online and solve puzzles
Free

Engage in classic chess with stunning 3D graphics and versatile play modes. Challenge yourself with puzzles, play against AI or friends online, and learn with helpful move indicators. Save games, customize the board, and master openings.

3D and 2D board viewsSingle player and two player modesOnline multiplayer with chat
🎮 Games
(62K)
free with in-app purchases
10
™ Chess
™ Chess
™ Chess
Play and learn Chess
Free

Engage in the timeless strategy of chess on your mobile device. Play against sophisticated AI opponents across multiple difficulty levels, or challenge friends and family. Features include an undo option, board editor, and customizable themes for a personalized experience.

Play against AIMultiplayer matchesUndo feature
🎮 Games
(10K)
free with in-app purchases