Comparison

MChess vs dotChess

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MChess

Features
Read full description

MChess is a chess app for players who enjoy familiar rules with new tactical possibilities. Start with standard chess, then try the expanded mode: build a custom army with a fixed point budget and play with hybrid pieces such as the Maharajah, Archbishop, and Chancellor. The app validates custom setups before a match starts, so unusual positions still begin from clear legal rules. Play on one device, practice against the built-in engine, or use local network play when two players want separate devices. LAN hidden setup lets each player prepare privately before both armies are revealed and the match begins.

About

dotChess

Engage in classic chess matches with friends, AI opponents, or players globally. This modern application allows you to track your statistics, communicate during games, and resume play across multiple devices.

Highlights
  • Play live games with friends
  • Challenge AI bots
  • Global matchmaking
  • Account creation and stat tracking
  • In-game chat
  • Cross-device play
Features
Read full description

dotChess is a modern chess app built for playing with real people. Play live games with friends, challenge AI bots, or get matched with players worldwide. Create an account, track your stats, chat during games, and pick up where you left off on any device.

Screenshots

MChess4 screens
dotChess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: dotChess at none against MChess's 3. MChess's advantage is device support (4 vs 2). On price, update cadence, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. MChess sells 3 one-off in-app purchases. dotChess asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MChess ships an update every 10 days, dotChess every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and June 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 7 level
MChess versus dotChess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMChessdotChess
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (2 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—2 — better
Update frequencyEvery 10 daysEvery 5 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
Monetization—Free
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size33 MB193 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAlexander VelikotskyThomas Baric

In-app purchases

3 purchases

MChess

One-time3
  • Coffee$0.99
  • Big Coffee$2.99
  • Supporter$9.99
None

dotChess

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is MChess free?
MChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is dotChess free?
dotChess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do MChess or dotChess have ads?
Neither MChess nor dotChess shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MChess or dotChess?
MChess ships an update every 10 days, and dotChess every 5 days. Most recently, MChess was updated on September 15, 2026 and dotChess on June 5, 2026.

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