Comparison

Backgammon vs Backgammon Premium

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Backgammon

Engage in classic backgammon with AI or live multiplayer opponents. This app offers a comprehensive experience with features like a doubling cube, rule tutorials, and detailed player statistics. Play offline or online to hone your strategic skills and climb the leaderboards.

Highlights
  • Online and offline play
  • Challenge AI or real players
  • Master the doubling cube
  • Learn and improve with hints
  • Track detailed player statistics
  • Play anywhere, portrait/landscape
Features
Read full description

Challenge adaptive AI, share the board with a friend in local pass-and-play, and master the doubling cube — all free, with dice you can actually trust. The most complete backgammon experience for iPhone, iPad and Apple Vision: sharpen your strategy with hints, track deep stats, and climb the leaderboards. * SMART, ADAPTIVE AI Beginner, Intermediate & Expert levels tuned to your playstyle — never a rigged board, just a smarter opponent. * PASS & PLAY Share one device and play a real match against a friend, head-to-head, no connection required. * LEARN & IMPROVE Move hints, legal-move highlights, and a full rules tutorial — go from your first roll to your first double with confidence. * REAL MATCH PLAY 1-point, 3-point & full matches, doubling cube, and the Crawford rule — tournament-standard play, not a simplified clone. * STATS THAT MATTER Elo-style rating, win/loss graphs, pip counts, and complete dice history, so you can see exactly how fair your rolls really are. * PLAY ANYWHERE Portrait or landscape, online or fully offline vs. AI. "The best free backgammon app—AI is tough, local play is smooth." – App Store review Also known as Tavla, Nardi, or Narde — this is backgammon the way it's meant to be played.

About

Backgammon Premium

Experience the classic board game with modern gameplay. Challenge friends or players worldwide in various modes, track your progress on global leaderboards, and customize your game with intuitive controls and stylish designs.

Highlights
  • Online multiplayer
  • Two game modes (Match Points, Doubling Cube)
  • Global leaderboards
  • Win streaks and performance stats
  • Private tables
  • Optional move highlights
  • Adjustable match length
Features
Read full description

Backgammon Premium – The Classic Game Reimagined Experience the timeless thrill of backgammon in a premium package, built for players who love competition, strategy, and fun! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned expert, Backgammon Premium offers a sleek, feature-rich experience, that puts the world’s favorite board game at your fingertips. Play Your Way • Online Multiplayer – Challenge friends or match with players from around the world. • Two Game Modes – Play the traditional Match Points format or step up to high-stakes action in Doubling Cube mode. Smooth, Smart, Stylish • Intuitive controls and fast animations • Elegant, clean board designs • Optional move highlights and undo • Easy-to-read dice rolls and counters Compete and Climb: • Global leaderboards • Win streaks and performance stats • Track your wins, losses, and skill level • Special tournaments with exciting prizes Customize Your Experience • Choose between standard rules or Doubling Cube • Adjustable match length for Match Points games • Private tables to play exclusively with friends Whether you're on a quick break or in for a long strategic session, Backgammon Premium brings together tradition and modern gameplay in one seamless experience. Why Players Love Backgammon Premium • Clean, minimal design • Private tables to enjoy with friends • Quick and easy matchmaking • Perfect for players of all skill levels • Ideal for classic board game fans • Your choice: Doubling Cube or Match Points Download now and roll the dice in a world of skill, luck, and strategy!

Screenshots

Backgammon4 screens
Backgammon Premium4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon at 4.4 against Backgammon Premium's 3.5. Backgammon also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ratings volume (168 vs 2). On price, ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Backgammon Premium sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Backgammon asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Backgammon holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backgammon has 168 ratings behind it against 2, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Backgammon ships an update every 8 days, Backgammon Premium every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and September 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Backgammon versus Backgammon Premium: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBackgammonBackgammon Premium
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (168 ratings) — better3.5 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews70.4% of reviews—
Number of ratings168 — better2
Update frequencyEvery 8 days — betterEvery 3 weeks
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size104 MB359 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperLinda MottleySPECTRUM.GAMES INTERNATIONAL LTD

Customer experience

Backgammon

All ratings168 ratings
Positive86.3%
Neutral3.0%
Negative10.7%
Written reviews54 reviews
Positive70.4%
Neutral1.9%
Negative27.8%

Backgammon Premium

All ratings2 ratings
Positive50.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative50.0%

Bugs and requests

Backgammon

Reported bugs

9 issues
  • App won't open
  • App freezes/hangs
  • Two taps required for one move
  • Incorrect move selection by AI
  • AI rolls are not random
Show 4 more
  • Display graphics obscure continue button
  • In 2-player mode, no menus appear when black starts
  • Software doesn't always display who goes first in 2-player hard mode
  • UI elements cover board pieces

Requested features

5 requests
  • Fix rigged AI rolls
  • Make AI more challenging/less predictable
  • Allow users to choose layout/design
  • Reconsider placement of move/undo buttons
  • Add option for cube

Backgammon Premium

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

None

Backgammon

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Backgammon Premium

One-time10
  • VIP 1$2.99
  • Blue chips pack 3$3.99
  • VIP 2$4.99
Show 7 more
  • Blue chips pack 4$5.99
  • Blue chips pack 5$9.99
  • VIP 4$9.99
  • VIP 3$9.99
  • Blue chips pack 6$24.99
  • Blue chips pack 7$49.99
  • Blue chips pack 8$99.99

Questions

Is Backgammon free?
Backgammon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Backgammon Premium free?
Backgammon Premium is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Backgammon or Backgammon Premium?
Backgammon is rated higher. Backgammon averages 4.4 out of 5 from 168 ratings, while Backgammon Premium averages 3.5 from 2 ratings.
Do Backgammon or Backgammon Premium have ads?
Both Backgammon and Backgammon Premium show ads.
Which is updated more often, Backgammon or Backgammon Premium?
Backgammon ships an update every 8 days, and Backgammon Premium every 3 weeks. Most recently, Backgammon was updated on September 23, 2026 and Backgammon Premium on September 16, 2026.

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