# SparkChess vs Alive Chess

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.

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.

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.

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

## The numbers

| Metric | SparkChess | Alive Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.0 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkchess/id1266183605/reviews)** | [2.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alive-chess/id1644650870/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **44** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | 26.9% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 71 MB | 307 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Media Division SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/398133131) | [Mobile Cosmos, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1597657786) |

## What reviewers say

### SparkChess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkchess/id1266183605)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlock Fantasy Board | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Deon | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Guru and Alyx | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 3D Board | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Advanced Multiplayer | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Advanced Features | $3.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $6.99 | one-time |


### Alive Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alive-chess/id1644650870)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vipmember | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| 10 hints | $0.99 | one-time |
| 5000 coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Exclusive Offer | $0.99 | one-time |
| 50 hints | $1.99 | one-time |
| 20000 coins | $2.99 | one-time |
| 50000 coins | $6.99 | one-time |
| 500 hints | $7.99 | one-time |
| 250000 coins | $15.99 | one-time |
| Unlock all weapon | $59.99 | one-time |


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