Comparison

CheckMates vs Zapbox Chess

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

Head to head
About

CheckMates

Engage in chess matches with friends, family, or random opponents. Features include in-app video chat, turn-based play, and a chat system for communication. Personalize your experience with themes and icons.

Highlights
  • In-app video chat
  • Turn-based games with unlimited time
  • In-game chat system
  • Play against computer AI
  • Chess puzzles
  • Customizable themes and icons
  • Friends list
Features
Read full description

Play chess on your iPad or iPhone with your friends and family while using the in-app VideoChat or invite random players for a game of chess and use the regular chat system to send messages! CheckMates is the new social chess app for iOS. Featuring : - Choose whether you want to use videochat while playing chess. A unique way of playing this game online with friends and family. - Very easy and quick account setup with email verification. Automatic login when you open the app. - Chat with opponents through the in-game chat system. - Play turn-based games with unlimited time, so you don't have to be online at the same time. - Earn golden coins to spend in the shop for new color and music themes. - Play against the computer AI. - Chess puzzles to practice your skills. - Different color & music themes which you can buy with in-game currency. - Easy invite system, where you can search, invite and scroll through all the online users. - Very clean interface and easy to use, with extensive help file and support via email. - Choose from several sets of chess icons to personalize your game. - Play with time! Set the clock to the preferred time and play until one of you runs out of time. - Find your friends even quicker by adding them to your own friends list. - See how many matches you've won and lost. Come and join the community for this unique way of playing chess online.

About

Zapbox Chess

Read full description

Zapbox: Chess - A Revolution in Mixed Reality Chess Step into a new dimension with Zapbox: Chess, the ultimate mixed reality chess game that brings this classic strategy game to life in ways you've never imagined. This immersive experience combines the real world with a captivating digital environment, offering exciting gameplay for players of all ages. Whether you're challenging friends locally or remotely, or seeking to enhance your skills against Casparov, our friendly AI chessbot, you'll find Zapbox: Chess to be a true game-changer. Key Features: - Mixed Reality Chess: Zapbox: Chess takes the classic game of chess and elevates it to a new level. Experience the thrill of mixed reality chess where the real and digital worlds seamlessly merge. - Full-Color Pass-Through: Enjoy the game with stunning full-color pass-through technology, ensuring you remain connected to the real world while immersing yourself in the chessboard. - Play Your Way: Challenge your friends to a game of chess, whether they're sitting across from you or miles away. Or, test your skills against Casparov, our friendly AI chessbot who will help you improve your game. - Variety of Styles: Customize your chess experience with different boards and chess sets. Choose from various board styles, including Classic, Modern, and Fun. You can also select different hand styles, such as Human, Robot, or Skeleton, to add a unique twist to your game. - Exclusively for Zapbox: Zapbox: Chess is designed exclusively for use with Zapbox, ensuring a seamlessly optimized experience. - Device Requirements: To enjoy Zapbox: Chess, you'll need an iPhone 11 or later, harnessing the full potential of your device for a captivating chess experience. - Fun for All Ages: Zapbox: Chess is suitable for players of all ages. It's a fantastic choice for family gatherings, chess enthusiasts, and anyone looking to explore chess in a new light. - 6-DoF Controllers: Utilize your 6 Degrees of Freedom (6-DoF) controllers to pick up and move your chess pieces with precision and ease. (Hand tracking support coming soon!) Enter the World of Mixed Reality Chess: Zapbox: Chess transforms the traditional chessboard into a mesmerizing mixed reality battleground where strategy and tactics come to life. Challenge your friends to a game like no other, whether they're seated right across from you or virtually present through remote play. Want to enhance your skills or learn from a master? Enter the world of Casparov, our friendly AI chessbot, and let him guide you to becoming a better player. With Casparov as your mentor, your game will reach new heights. The customization options in Zapbox: Chess make each game a unique experience. Choose from different board styles and hand styles to create a chess environment that suits your taste and mood. Whether you prefer a classic setting or something more whimsical, the choice is yours. Zapbox: Chess is designed exclusively for Zapbox, taking full advantage of the power of your iPhone 11 or later. The result is a gaming experience that's second to none, with a level of immersion that's hard to beat. This isn't just chess; it's a revolution in how we experience this timeless game. Play with the precision and ease of 6-DoF controllers as you strategize, maneuver, and compete in a mixed reality world where chess pieces come to life. Prepare for an experience like no other with Zapbox: Chess. Challenge your friends, improve your skills with Casparov, and create memorable moments in a game that's a twist on the classic, suitable for players of all ages.

Screenshots

CheckMates4 screens
Zapbox Chess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: CheckMates at every 3 weeks against Zapbox Chess's every 2 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support 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. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CheckMates ships an update every 3 weeks, Zapbox Chess every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 27, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
CheckMates versus Zapbox Chess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCheckMatesZapbox Chess
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS12.012.0
Further details — not scored
Size48 MB312 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPatrick RugebregtZappar Limited

In-app purchases

None

CheckMates

No in-app purchases

None

Zapbox Chess

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is CheckMates free?
CheckMates is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Zapbox Chess free?
Zapbox Chess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do CheckMates or Zapbox Chess have ads?
Neither CheckMates nor Zapbox Chess shows ads.
Which is updated more often, CheckMates or Zapbox Chess?
CheckMates ships an update every 3 weeks, and Zapbox Chess every 2 months. Most recently, CheckMates was updated on November 3, 2026 and Zapbox Chess on October 27, 2026.

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