# Original Backgammon vs The Backgammon

The clearest difference is rating: Original Backgammon at 3.3 against The Backgammon's 2.3. Original Backgammon also leads on review sentiment (33% vs 8%) and monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). The Backgammon's advantage is ratings volume (64 vs 3) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Original Backgammon holds the better App Store score, 3.3 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: The Backgammon has 64 ratings behind it against 3, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Original Backgammon's written reviews are positive against 8% of The Backgammon's.

Original Backgammon ships an update every 5 months, The Backgammon every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Original Backgammon | The Backgammon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[3.3 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/original-backgammon/id1340594129/reviews)** | [2.3 (64 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-backgammon/id1436665047/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3 | **64** |
| Positive reviews | **33.3% of reviews** | 8.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 123 MB | 324 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [MOBILEFUSION APPS LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/517591945) | [UNBALANCE Corporation](https://appshunter.io/developer/358617691) |

## What reviewers say

### Original Backgammon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/original-backgammon/id1340594129)

Experience the classic board game of backgammon. Compete against AI, a local opponent, or players online. Be the first to move all your pieces off the board to win.

**Highlights:** Play against computer AI, Local multiplayer mode, Online multiplayer matches, Traditional backgammon rules, Checkers movement and removal

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### The Backgammon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-backgammon/id1436665047)

Engage in classic backgammon matches online against players worldwide or offline against an AI with adjustable difficulty. Enhance your skills with detailed game analysis and practice tools. Enjoy a free, feature-rich experience with customizable rules and visually appealing boards.

**Highlights:** Online multiplayer games, Offline AI opponent, 5 difficulty levels, Rating and ranking system, Match replay and review, Customizable rules, Hint facility

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Good for learning the game
- 👍 Pleasant interface and display
- 👍 Efficient matching
- 👍 Good for casual players
- 👍 Can be played for free

**What reviewers complain about**

- 😠 Overwhelmingly negative sentiment due to rigged dice
- 😠 Excessive and intrusive ads
- 😠 Dice rolls are not random
- 😠 AI favors the computer
- 😠 Unfair advantage for higher-rated players

**Reported bugs**

- Ads block the game board
- Ads won't go away, requiring app restart
- Game freezes frequently
- App crashes and closes unexpectedly
- Game rolls back after restart

**Requested features**

- Option to buy a version with no ads
- Improve sound settings (separate BGM and SFX)
- Add a chat option for online play
- Improve controls and piece manipulation
- Option to choose dice button position


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Original Backgammon free?

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

### Is The Backgammon free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Original Backgammon or The Backgammon?

Original Backgammon is rated higher. Original Backgammon averages 3.3 out of 5 from 3 ratings, while The Backgammon averages 2.3 from 64 ratings.

### Do Original Backgammon or The Backgammon have ads?

Both Original Backgammon and The Backgammon show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Original Backgammon or The Backgammon?

Original Backgammon ships an update every 5 months, and The Backgammon every 2 months. Most recently, Original Backgammon was updated on October 23, 2026 and The Backgammon on October 29, 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.*