Comparison

SparkChess vs Alive Chess

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

Head to head
About

SparkChess

This chess game offers a fun and accessible experience for players of all skill levels. Enjoy various boards, computer opponents, and online multiplayer. Learn with interactive lessons, solve puzzles, and study historical games.

Highlights
  • Practice against computer or friends
  • Multiple board styles (2D, 3D, fantasy)
  • Interactive chess lessons
  • Chess puzzles and historical game study
  • Virtual Chess Coach
  • Multiplayer progress tracking
  • Save and replay games
Features
Read full description

SparkChess is the only chess game that puts fun first. With a choice of boards, computer opponents, puzzles, and online multiplayer, it delivers a first-class experience that is as accessible to experts as it is to beginners, kids and anyone else who wants to discover how entertaining this strategy game really is. The chess game that everyone can enjoy! Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Too many chess apps are impossible for anyone but the experts. The real test of a truly intelligent chess game isn’t how hard it is to beat, but how well it can adapt to players of all skill levels. That’s exactly what makes the award-winning SparkChess stand out. Whether you’re brand new to the chess board, looking to to improve your game, to teach your kids to play, or are ready to take it to the next challenging level, everyone can find the perfect balance in SparkChess. FEATURES * Practice chess against the computer or challenge your friends in multiplayer. * Climb the Puzzle Journey: 50 levels across five rating tiers, from Beginner to Master or race the clock in Puzzle Rush / Survival with over 2000 puzzles to choose from. * A simple user interface that makes it easy to set up and play games. * Choose from different boards: 2D, 3D, fantasy, or even Ninjas vs Vikings. * Play casual, quick or expert games, depending on your level. * Learn chess with over 30 interactive lessons. * Learn and practice common openings and their variations (over 100 in total). * A Virtual Chess Coach explains the consequences of your moves. * The only chess game that appeals to beginners and experts alike. * Track your multiplayer progress with statistics. * Create and join teams. * Save and replay your games. * Import/Export games in PGN format, edit the board, draw arrows for screencasts, and more. * Watch and comment on live multiplayer games. * Child-safe design, with anti-abuse measures built-in. * Large and friendly community of chess lovers from all over the world. Young or old, beginner or advanced, SparkChess gives you the extra edge to become a better chess player while having fun! REVIEWS - “SparkChess provides deep, intelligent gameplay… [Its] multiplayer offerings are just as impressive.” ~ MaximumPC.com, app of the week. - “A great educational tool for aspiring grandmasters.” ~ Gamezebo review - “SparkChess is a beautiful chess game.” ~ Softpedia, 4/5 review - “One of the most immersive online chess experiences.” ~ The Chess Advisor - “SparkChess seems worth it for the free version.” ~ dotTech review - “SparkChess is a very friendly program.” ~ Chessengeria - “very good levels to play, each level presenting a nice challenge.” ~ Richard’s Game Reviews, 4/5 - No. 1 “favorite paid Chrome Web Store app” in The Independent’s January 2011 roundup.

About

Alive Chess

Experience chess like never before with this fantasy battle game. Play against AI, friends, or players worldwide in tournaments. Customize your army with weapons and spells for an immersive warfare experience.

Highlights
  • Fantasy battle chess gameplay
  • Play against AI opponents
  • Online multiplayer with friends
  • Global tournaments with rewards
  • Army customization with weapons and spells
  • Hint system for guidance
Features
Read full description

"Sometimes you may have to lose the battle to win the war." Welcome to the adventurous chess game, brought to live on the chessboard. This fantasy battle chess, is designed to bring chess on a whole new level of entertainment. Play chess online with random opponents, you can enjoy your own personal private battle arena to play with friends. Also you have at your disposal the single mode, where you can play against the powerful AI opponent. Hone you chess skills, improve your strategy craft and strategical thinking. You can also play in tournaments against real players from around the world. Rank to the top and get rewards and prizes for ranking top 3. Choses your battle army and equip it with powerful weapons and artifacts, to be even more powerful and unique. Magical spells, tons of weapons, immersive battle in the war of chess, a genuine chess warfare awaits you. You can also use powerful hints to help you make the right move when you really feel the need for advice. Dive into this adventurous journey of war between the good and evil forces, the army of light and the army of darkness. This online chess game will make you feel as if you are on a real battlefield, where you need to lead your army to victory by fighting and battling on the board. Battle and fight, build your armies, play chess which is so much alive and fun. This app also offers in app, weekly auto renewable subscription, see EULA for more details. Contacts and terms https://smitadash987654.wixsite.com/eduard--amirbekyan-a/blank-1 For support please contact us at eduard.amirbekyan@yahoo.com EULA terms https://smitadash987654.wixsite.com/eduard--amirbekyan-a/eula Privacy Policy. https://smitadash987654.wixsite.com/eduard--amirbekyan-a/privacy-policy

Screenshots

SparkChess4 screens
Alive Chess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: SparkChess at 4.0 against Alive Chess's 2.0. SparkChess also leads on ratings volume (44 vs 4). Alive Chess's advantage is update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model 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. SparkChess sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Alive Chess sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SparkChess holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 2.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SparkChess has 44 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SparkChess ships an update every 4 months, Alive Chess weekly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
SparkChess versus Alive Chess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSparkChessAlive Chess
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (44 ratings) — better2.0 (4 ratings)
Positive reviews26.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings44 — better4
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsWeekly — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS1511.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB307 MB
Age rating4+9+
DeveloperMedia Division SRLMobile Cosmos, LLC

Customer experience

SparkChess

All ratings44 ratings
Positive77.3%
Neutral0.0%
Negative22.7%
Written reviews26 reviews
Positive26.9%
Neutral15.4%
Negative57.7%

Alive Chess

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%

In-app purchases

9 purchases

SparkChess

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly subscription$2.991 Month
  • Yearly subscription$9.991 Year
One-time7
  • Unlock Fantasy Board$0.99
  • Unlock Deon$0.99
  • Unlock Guru and Alyx$1.99
Show 4 more
  • Unlock 3D Board$1.99
  • Unlock Advanced Multiplayer$3.99
  • Unlock Advanced Features$3.99
  • Remove ads$6.99
10 purchases

Alive Chess

Subscriptions1
  • Vipmember$3.997 Days
One-time9
  • 10 hints$0.99
  • 5000 coins$0.99
  • Exclusive Offer$0.99
Show 6 more
  • 50 hints$1.99
  • 20000 coins$2.99
  • 50000 coins$6.99
  • 500 hints$7.99
  • 250000 coins$15.99
  • Unlock all weapon$59.99

Questions

Is SparkChess free?
SparkChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Alive Chess free?
Alive Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SparkChess or Alive Chess?
SparkChess is rated higher. SparkChess averages 4.0 out of 5 from 44 ratings, while Alive Chess averages 2.0 from 4 ratings.
Do SparkChess or Alive Chess have ads?
Both SparkChess and Alive Chess show ads.
Which is updated more often, SparkChess or Alive Chess?
SparkChess ships an update every 4 months, and Alive Chess weekly. Most recently, SparkChess was updated on October 24, 2026 and Alive Chess on October 24, 2026.

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