# Chessify vs Last Layer

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Chessify at 48% against Last Layer's 0%. Chessify also leads on ratings volume (398 vs 4) and iOS requirement (16.0 vs 27.0). Last Layer's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.4) and in-app purchases (none vs 4). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chessify sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Last Layer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Last Layer holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chessify has 398 ratings behind it against 4, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 48% of Chessify's written reviews are positive against 0% of Last Layer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Chessify ships an update monthly, Last Layer every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on November 6, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chessify | Last Layer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.4 (398 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessify-magic-chess-tools/id1397066775/reviews) | **[5.0 (4 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/last-layer-speed-cube-guide/id1575027893/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **398** | 4 |
| Positive reviews | **48.3% of reviews** | 0.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 140 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 27.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | +4 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chessify Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1397066774) | [Brandon Harris](https://appshunter.io/developer/619590501) |

## What reviewers say

### Chessify

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessify-magic-chess-tools/id1397066775)

This app offers advanced chess analysis tools, including a real-time chessboard scanner, powerful cloud-based engines, and a unique video finder. Analyze games, puzzles, and learn chess theory with comprehensive features for players of all levels.

**Highlights:** Real chessboard scanner, Superfast cloud chess engine analysis, Video finder for chess positions, Offline play against Stockfish, Opening Explorer with Lichess database, Import/export FEN/PGN, Online real-time Blitz

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starter Pack | $5.99 | one-time |
| Standard Pack | $11.49 | one-time |
| Popular Pack | $29.49 | one-time |
| Ultimate Pack | $117.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 📸 Accurate chess board scanning from photos
- 🚀 Fast and efficient position analysis
- ☁️ Cloud-based powerful chess engine (Stockfish)
- 💾 Easy PGN export and saving functionality
- 📚 Perfect for studying chess books

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 📸 Inconsistent scanning accuracy
- ❌ App doesn't work on iOS 18 and older versions
- 💰 Expensive paywall with limited free features
- 🔥 Device overheating issues reported

**Reported bugs**

- Black screen in camera view during scanning
- Scanning omits first or last rank of board
- App crashes when loading images
- Buttons not clickable on certain iOS versions
- Position not recognized from screenshots

**Requested features**

- Add move comments and annotations capability
- Board flip option during gameplay
- Auto-save functionality to prevent position loss
- Ability to edit and extend saved games
- Tactics puzzle mode with move verification


### Last Layer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/last-layer-speed-cube-guide/id1575027893)

This app provides a comprehensive reference for practicing CFOP algorithms used in speedcubing. It includes tools for learning and testing patterns, a scramble generator, and a timer with note-taking capabilities. Enjoy seamless syncing across devices and automatic dark mode.

**Highlights:** CFOP algorithm reference, OLL and PLL patterns, Pattern editing, Favorite patterns, 25 move scramble generator, Solve timer with notes, iCloud sync, Automatic dark mode

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chessify free?

Chessify is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Last Layer free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chessify or Last Layer?

Last Layer is rated higher. Chessify averages 4.4 out of 5 from 398 ratings, while Last Layer averages 5.0 from 4 ratings.

### Do Chessify or Last Layer have ads?

Neither Chessify nor Last Layer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chessify or Last Layer?

Chessify ships an update monthly, and Last Layer every 3 weeks. Most recently, Chessify was updated on November 6, 2026 and Last Layer on November 3, 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.*