# 4x4 Chess vs Starchess

The clearest difference is ads: Starchess at none against 4x4 Chess's shown. Starchess also leads on monetization model (free vs ad-supported). 4x4 Chess's advantage is ratings volume (3 vs 1). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for 4x4 Chess against 5.0 for Starchess. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 3 and 1 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 100% and 100% positive.

4x4 Chess ships an update every 7 months, Starchess every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and June 4, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | 4x4 Chess | Starchess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4x4-chess/id1329346327/reviews) | [5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starchess/id6446507272/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **3** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 7 months | **Every 4 months** |
| Monetization | Ad-supported | **Free** |
| Size | 37 MB | 60 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daisuke Shinzato](https://appshunter.io/developer/1329176830) | [Nathan Lane](https://appshunter.io/developer/1422920165) |

## What reviewers say

### 4x4 Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/4x4-chess/id1329346327)

Experience a fast-paced, simplified version of chess on a 4x4 board. Games conclude in about a minute, making it perfect for quick play sessions. This accessible variant is designed for both beginners and experienced players seeking a new challenge.

**Highlights:** 4x4 chessboard, Random piece arrangement, Quick 1-minute games, Beginner-friendly gameplay, Accessible chess variant

**In-app purchases:** none


### Starchess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/starchess/id6446507272)

Experience chess with a unique twist on a three-dimensional board. Pieces gain new movement capabilities, allowing for strategic plays in up, down, and diagonal directions. Enjoy a fresh challenge to your chess skills.

**Highlights:** Three-dimensional chess board, Traditional chess rules, Expanded piece movement (up, down, diagonal), Unique strategic gameplay

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is 4x4 Chess free?

4x4 Chess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Starchess free?

Starchess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, 4x4 Chess or Starchess?

4x4 Chess and Starchess are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 3 and 1 ratings respectively.

### Do 4x4 Chess or Starchess have ads?

4x4 Chess shows ads; Starchess does not.

### Which is updated more often, 4x4 Chess or Starchess?

4x4 Chess ships an update every 7 months, and Starchess every 4 months. Most recently, 4x4 Chess was updated on September 9, 2026 and Starchess on June 4, 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.*