# Really Bad Chess vs Chess Move

The clearest difference is rating: Chess Move at 4.3 against Really Bad Chess's 3.8. Chess Move also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.0). Really Bad Chess's advantage is review sentiment (46% vs 27%). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Really Bad Chess sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and Chess Move sells 17 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Chess Move holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.6K and 1.1K respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 46% of Really Bad Chess's written reviews are positive against 27% of Chess Move's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Really Bad Chess | Chess Move |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.6K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921/reviews) | **[4.3 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-move-stockfish-engine/id1661430804/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.6K** | 1.1K |
| Positive reviews | **46.3% of reviews** | 26.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 125 MB | 37 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Zach Gage](https://appshunter.io/developer/294263418) | [Setse LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1291639719) |

## What reviewers say

### Really Bad Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/really-bad-chess/id1109751921)

This app reimagines chess with completely randomized pieces, offering a fresh strategic challenge. It's perfect for both seasoned players seeking a new puzzle and beginners looking to learn the fundamentals in a fun, accessible way.

**Highlights:** Randomized chess piece sets, AI opponent challenges, Ranked, Daily, and Weekly modes, Freeplay practice mode, Local multiplayer (with IAP), Alternate color palettes (with IAP)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 Undos | $0.99 | one-time |
| Full Game Unlock | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive and fun gameplay
- 🤔 Unique and innovative concept
- 👍 Challenging and engaging
- ⭐ Great way to learn chess

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and crashes
- 🕰️ Slow AI response times
- 💰 Paywalls for essential features
- 📺 Intrusive and excessive ads
- 🔁 Repetitive AI moves leading to stalemates

**Reported bugs**

- Pieces unable to move as per chess rules
- Game freezes and crashes
- Incorrect checkmate detection

**Requested features**

- Add draw conditions and stalemate rules
- Implement online/multiplayer mode
- Provide more difficulty settings
- Allow custom piece arrangements
- Sync progress across devices


### Chess Move

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-move-stockfish-engine/id1661430804)

This app helps chess players find the best moves using a powerful cloud-based engine. It allows users to set up board positions manually or via camera scan, and customize analysis depth and engine settings for in-depth game review.

**Highlights:** Best move calculation, Cloud-based Stockfish engine, Board setup via drag-and-drop, Camera position scanning, Customizable engine presets, Multiple analysis lines

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (17)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| ChessMovePro - Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $4.99 | per month |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $7.99 | per month |
| ChessMovePro (Weekly) | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| ChessMovePro - Hidden Discount | $9.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro (Monthly) | $9.99 | per month |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $14.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $14.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro - Premium | $19.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro (Quarterly) | $19.99 | per 3 months |
| ChessMovePro | $29.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro (Yearly) | $29.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro (Yearly) | $39.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro (Yearly) | $49.99 | per year |
| ChessMovePro | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Great app
- 🚀 Works well
- 👍 Easy to use
- 🧠 Helpful for improving chess skills
- 🏆 Allows beating difficult opponents

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Expensive subscription
- 🔒 Locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Crashes and bugs
- 🔄 Inconsistent performance after updates
- 🤯 Confusing or misleading about free trial

**Reported bugs**

- Pieces not detected correctly
- Moves suggested in wrong direction
- App crashes on launch or during use

**Requested features**

- Add ability to save board positions
- Improve piece detection and move suggestions
- Provide more free analysis options


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Really Bad Chess free?

Really Bad Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Chess Move free?

Chess Move is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Really Bad Chess or Chess Move?

Chess Move is rated higher. Really Bad Chess averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.6K ratings, while Chess Move averages 4.3 from 1.1K ratings.

### Do Really Bad Chess or Chess Move have ads?

Really Bad Chess shows ads; Chess Move does not.

### Which is updated more often, Really Bad Chess or Chess Move?

Really Bad Chess ships an update every 3 weeks, and Chess Move every 3 weeks. Most recently, Really Bad Chess was updated on October 23, 2026 and Chess Move on October 24, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*