Comparison

SparkChess vs Whirldrop

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

Whirldrop

Features
Read full description

Drop a disc. Build a line. Watch the board turn. Whirldrop takes four in a row in a new direction: each 90° rotation sends the discs falling into new positions. Set up a win, block your opponent and plan for the next turn. WAYS TO PLAY - Play offline with 2 players on one device (pass-and-play) - Play offline against the computer — Easy, Medium and Hard - Find an online opponent or invite a friend with a private room code GAME MODES - Classic: the first to connect a line wins — play with the twist or with no rotation - Race: clear lines and trigger cascades on a 9×9 board. Each line scores for its own colour; first to three lines wins DAILY & CUSTOMIZATION - A new Daily Challenge every day - Daily and weekly missions to complete - Daily login rewards and challenge streaks - Earn coins and unlock cosmetic skins ONLINE & RANKED - Choose Ranked to compete for rating, or Casual to play with custom rules - A 30-second turn timer keeps matches moving - Global and country leaderboards show your rank and rating - One-tap rematch MADE TO FEEL GREAT - Press and slide to preview your drop, release to play - Follow the countdown to the next board rotation - The last move and the winning line are highlighted - Smooth animations, sound effects and haptics PLAYS YOUR WAY - Phones and tablets, portrait or landscape - Light and dark themes - Colour-blind-safe symbols, reduce-motion and screen-reader support - Seven languages Free to download. Contains ads. Online matches and leaderboards need an internet connection.

Screenshots

SparkChess4 screens
Whirldrop4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Whirldrop at none against SparkChess's 9. Whirldrop also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Whirldrop asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SparkChess ships an update every 4 months, Whirldrop fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
SparkChess versus Whirldrop: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSparkChessWhirldrop
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (44 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews26.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings44 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsYesYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size71 MB45 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMedia Division SRLYunus Emre Yigit

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
None

Whirldrop

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is SparkChess free?
SparkChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Whirldrop free?
Whirldrop is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do SparkChess or Whirldrop have ads?
Both SparkChess and Whirldrop show ads.
Which is updated more often, SparkChess or Whirldrop?
SparkChess ships an update every 4 months, and Whirldrop fortnightly. Most recently, SparkChess was updated on October 24, 2026 and Whirldrop on October 24, 2026.

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