# Chess Royale vs Play Chess for iMessage

The clearest difference is rating: Chess Royale at 4.5 against Play Chess for iMessage's 3.1. Chess Royale also leads on review sentiment (60% vs 29%) and ratings volume (20K vs 170). Play Chess for iMessage's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chess Royale sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per 7 days. Play Chess for iMessage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chess Royale holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chess Royale has 20K ratings behind it against 170, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of Chess Royale's written reviews are positive against 29% of Play Chess for iMessage's.

Chess Royale ships an update every 5 weeks, Play Chess for iMessage daily. The most recent releases landed on November 7, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Royale | Play Chess for iMessage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (20K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-royale/id1434658250/reviews)** | [3.1 (170 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-for-imessage/id6443798218/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **20K** | 170 |
| Positive reviews | **59.5% of reviews** | 29.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#149** | — |
| Size | 490 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SayGames LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1551847165) | [Chess.com, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/329218552) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Royale

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-royale/id1434658250)

**Currently charting:** #149 Top Free · Strategy, #198 Top Free · Board (US App Store)

Engage in the classic game of chess with millions worldwide. This app offers AI challenges, multiplayer matches, and extensive training tools including puzzles and post-game analysis to improve your strategic skills.

**Highlights:** Play against AI, Multiplayer matches, Chess puzzles, Post-game analysis, Beginner and advanced training, Multiple game modes

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Vip | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Vip | $19.99 | per month |
| Annual Vip | $39.99 | per year |
| Tiny Coins Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Tiny Gems Pack | $1.99 | one-time |
| Coins Pack Offer | $3.99 | one-time |
| Disable Ads Forever | $4.99 | one-time |
| Medium Gems Pack | $6.99 | one-time |
| Large Gems Pack | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Enjoyable gameplay
- 🚀 Seamless matchmaking
- 💡 Helpful chess lessons and puzzles
- 🤩 Great for learning and improving chess skills

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤬 Excessive and disruptive advertisements
- 🐛 Frequent app crashes and freezes
- 🕰️ Long wait times between games due to ads
- 🤖 Suspicion of playing against bots instead of real players

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect puzzle solutions being marked as wrong
- Game losses due to connection issues or app freezes
- Inconsistent trophy/ranking system
- Inability to report cheating or suspicious behavior

**Requested features**

- Ability to play longer timed games
- Option to disable ads for a one-time fee
- More advanced chess analysis and training features
- Improved matchmaking to pair players of similar skill levels


### Play Chess for iMessage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-for-imessage/id6443798218)

Engage in unlimited chess matches directly through iMessage with friends. Customize your game with different boards and pieces. Enjoy a casual, timer-free experience without registration or in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Unlimited chess games, Play via iMessage, Customizable boards and pieces, Play multiple friends simultaneously, No timers or ratings, No registration required

**Features:** iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to play without knowing chess rules
- 🎮 Fun gameplay mechanics for iMessage
- 🎨 Theme customizer available
- 🔄 Move guide and helpful features
- 🎬 Can convert wins to GIF format

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Cannot uninstall app (major recurring issue)
- 🐛 iCloud login error persists despite being logged in
- ❌ App doesn't show on home screen
- 🔄 Must exit and reopen app to see opponent's moves
- ⚠️ Only playable in portrait mode

**Reported bugs**

- iCloud authentication error when already logged in
- App cannot be uninstalled from device
- No home screen icon appears after installation
- Game doesn't work with group chats over 2 people
- Time calculation error giving opponent extra time

**Requested features**

- Confirmation dialog for accidental game reviews
- Uninstall functionality
- Ability to choose piece color or randomize
- CPU/AI opponent mode
- Fischer random chess mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess Royale free?

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

### Is Play Chess for iMessage free?

Play Chess for iMessage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Chess Royale or Play Chess for iMessage?

Chess Royale is rated higher. Chess Royale averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20K ratings, while Play Chess for iMessage averages 3.1 from 170 ratings.

### Do Chess Royale or Play Chess for iMessage have ads?

Chess Royale shows ads; Play Chess for iMessage does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chess Royale or Play Chess for iMessage?

Chess Royale ships an update every 5 weeks, and Play Chess for iMessage daily. Most recently, Chess Royale was updated on November 7, 2026 and Play Chess for iMessage 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.*