# Chessplode vs Glow Chess

The clearest difference is update cadence: Chessplode at every 2 weeks against Glow Chess's every 6 months. Chessplode also leads on ratings volume (573 vs 39). Glow Chess's advantage is rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chessplode sells 5 one-off in-app purchases and Glow Chess sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Glow Chess holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chessplode has 573 ratings behind it against 39, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Chessplode ships an update every 2 weeks, Glow Chess every 6 months. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chessplode | Glow Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.5 (573 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessplode/id1439047052/reviews) | **[4.8 (39 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glow-chess/id1615039615/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **573** | 39 |
| Positive reviews | 61.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 6 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 86 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Juan Manuel Altamirano Argudo](https://appshunter.io/developer/391953849) | [Phuong Ta](https://appshunter.io/developer/1466076556) |

## What reviewers say

### Chessplode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessplode/id1439047052)

This app offers a unique twist on chess where capturing a piece causes others in the same line and column to explode. It's designed to be fun and accessible, even for those who aren't skilled at traditional chess, offering both single-player and multiplayer modes.

**Highlights:** Exploding pieces on capture, Real-time multiplayer battles, User-created levels, Local multiplayer mode, AI opponent practice, Customizable color themes

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| +100 Undos | $0.99 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Massive Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| INFINITE UNDOS | $1.99 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick gameplay
- 👍 Beautiful and fun game
- 👍 Fantastic and great fun twist on chess
- 👍 Lovely little game
- 👍 Chess with a new challenge

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Won't open or get stuck
- 🐛 Issues with king movement and checkmate detection
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 AI issues with thinking and repeating moves
- 🐛 Overly difficult, even at easy levels

**Reported bugs**

- Won't open or get stuck on certain screens
- Issues with king movement and checkmate detection
- Crashes and freezes, especially when AI is thinking
- AI issues with thinking and repeating moves

**Requested features**

- Add local multiplayer mode
- Add classic chess mode
- Add more basic puzzles
- Add ability to go back to previous levels
- Add option to remove explosions


### Glow Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/glow-chess/id1615039615)

Engage in the classic strategy game with adjustable difficulty levels and helpful features. Practice tactics and strategy to become a Chess Master. Offers puzzles and a two-player mode for interactive play.

**Highlights:** 5 difficulty levels, Chess Puzzles, Game Assistant, Undo move, Hints, 2 player mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| No Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chessplode free?

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

### Is Glow Chess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chessplode or Glow Chess?

Glow Chess is rated higher. Chessplode averages 4.5 out of 5 from 573 ratings, while Glow Chess averages 4.8 from 39 ratings.

### Do Chessplode or Glow Chess have ads?

Both Chessplode and Glow Chess show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chessplode or Glow Chess?

Chessplode ships an update every 2 weeks, and Glow Chess every 6 months. Most recently, Chessplode was updated on October 7, 2026 and Glow Chess on September 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.*