# Backgammon Now vs Backgammon Duel

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Backgammon Duel at none against Backgammon Now's 3. Backgammon Now's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 16.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backgammon Now sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Backgammon Duel asks for nothing beyond the download.

Backgammon Now ships an update every 3 months, Backgammon Duel every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 20, 2026 and October 3, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backgammon Now | Backgammon Duel |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (349 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-now/id1447093944/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **349** | — |
| Positive reviews | 31.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 144 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cobra Mobile Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/290142990) | [PHATCAT GAMES LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1823066551) |

## What reviewers say

### Backgammon Now

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-now/id1447093944)

Experience a fun and relaxing way to play Backgammon. Challenge a computer opponent, track your progress with game stats, and enjoy customizable themes. Learn the game easily with built-in instructions and realistic dice physics.

**Highlights:** Computer opponent, Game stats tracking, Customizable board themes, Adjustable difficulty, Touch-to-move or drag-to-move, Random physics-based dice, Easy 'How to Play' guide

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BACKGAMMON NOW PREMIUM 1 MONTH | $1.49 | per month |
| UNLOCK BOARDS of the WORLD | $0.99 | one-time |
| REMOVE ALL ADVERTS | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy navigation
- 🎨 Visually appealing graphics and presentation
- 🔊 Good sound effects and audio design
- 📊 Tracks win/loss statistics and match history
- 🎮 Suitable for beginners learning backgammon

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Dice rolls appear biased toward AI opponent
- 🤖 AI makes illogical moves and poor strategy
- 📺 Excessive ads disrupt gameplay experience
- ⚙️ Inconsistent game rules and mechanics
- 🐢 Game moves slowly with required confirmations

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezes and becomes unresponsive
- App locks and prevents access to home screen
- Stuck on ad screen with no way to close
- Cannot connect to real players
- Unauthorized clipboard pasting on app switch

**Requested features**

- Auto-finish option when both sides are clear
- Ability to initiate doubling cube independently
- Hot seat/pass-and-play multiplayer mode
- Game save functionality for longer durations
- Adjustable difficulty settings


### Backgammon Duel

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-duel/id6469453445)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backgammon Now free?

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

### Is Backgammon Duel free?

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

### Do Backgammon Now or Backgammon Duel have ads?

Both Backgammon Now and Backgammon Duel show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backgammon Now or Backgammon Duel?

Backgammon Now ships an update every 3 months, and Backgammon Duel every 2 months. Most recently, Backgammon Now was updated on October 20, 2026 and Backgammon Duel on October 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.*