# Chess Mess vs ChessManual

The clearest difference is ads: Chess Mess at none against ChessManual's shown. Chess Mess also leads on iOS requirement (9.0 vs 16). On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chess Mess sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and ChessManual sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Chess Mess ships an update every 3 months, ChessManual every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Mess | ChessManual |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessmanual-learn-and-practice/id1597903654/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **1** |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | — | Ad-supported |
| Size | 61 MB | 116 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 16 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [BalinaSoft OOO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1029060814) | [Sergei Lazarenko](https://appshunter.io/developer/1818587669) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Mess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-mess/id1478520592)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Paid Chess Tasks | $0.99 | one-time |


### ChessManual

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessmanual-learn-and-practice/id1597903654)

Master the game of chess with interactive lessons, puzzles, and classic game analysis. Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players, it offers a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

**Highlights:** Interactive chess puzzles, Games by world champions, Classic and modern chess strategies, Learn and play quests, Kid-friendly lessons, Comprehensive step-by-step lessons, Checkmate challenges

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ChessManual Pro Monthly | $3.99 | per month |
| ChessManual Pro Yearly | $24.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess Mess free?

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

### Is ChessManual free?

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

### Do Chess Mess or ChessManual have ads?

ChessManual shows ads; Chess Mess does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chess Mess or ChessManual?

Chess Mess ships an update every 3 months, and ChessManual every 2 months. Most recently, Chess Mess was updated on October 17, 2026 and ChessManual on October 21, 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.*