# Chess Universe vs Chess Clock Timer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Chess Clock Timer at none against Chess Universe's 10. Chess Clock Timer also leads on ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 2 days vs every 9 days). Chess Universe's advantage is chart position (#184 vs unranked) and device support (3 vs 1). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chess Universe sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $5.99 per 7 days. Chess Clock Timer asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chess Universe ships an update every 9 days, Chess Clock Timer every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Universe | Chess Clock Timer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-universe-play-online/id1487204900/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6.5K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 63.4% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Best chart rank | **#184** | — |
| Size | 311 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 18.2 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | +12 | 4+ |
| Developer | [Kings of Games, d.o.o.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1487204899) | [Christopher Hutton](https://appshunter.io/developer/1670080070) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Universe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-universe-play-online/id1487204900)

**Currently charting:** #184 Top Free · Strategy (US App Store)

Embark on a chess adventure with unique island challenges and rewards. Learn from over 1,000 lessons, play against friends or players worldwide, and master strategies with helpful tools. Unlock new content and customize your experience.

**Highlights:** Play online chess games, Multiple game modes (Blitz, Bullet, Rapid), Play vs Computer Islands with daily challenges, Over 1,000 chess lessons, Play chess with friends, Custom game creation, Hints, Undo, Game Review, Analysis tools

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly VIP Membership | $5.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly VIP Membership | $11.99 | per month |
| Yearly VIP Membership | $59.99 | per year |
| Change Nickname | $0.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| All Emoji + Ammo | $3.99 | one-time |
| Free hints for 20 days | $3.99 | one-time |
| 40 gems | $3.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $4.99 | one-time |
| 135 gems | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fun and interactive gameplay
- 💡 Variety of game modes and challenges
- 🚀 Smooth performance and quick matchmaking
- 🎨 Customizable characters and chess boards

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional connection issues and game freezes
- 💰 Excessive in-app purchases and ads
- 🤖 Concerns about AI opponents using engines
- ⏱️ Limited time control options

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect move recognition in some puzzles
- Rating system not accurately reflecting player skill
- Account recovery and password reset issues
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Add more time control options (e.g., 30/60 minutes)
- Implement a report system for suspected cheaters
- Improve the chess academy and puzzle design
- Allow players to save and share game histories


### Chess Clock Timer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-clock-timer/id6746334126)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess Universe free?

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

### Is Chess Clock Timer free?

Chess Clock Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Chess Universe or Chess Clock Timer have ads?

Chess Universe shows ads; Chess Clock Timer does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chess Universe or Chess Clock Timer?

Chess Universe ships an update every 9 days, and Chess Clock Timer every 2 days. Most recently, Chess Universe was updated on November 11, 2026 and Chess Clock Timer on November 8, 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.*