# CheckMates vs Zapbox Chess

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.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | CheckMates | Zapbox Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[1.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/checkmates/id1545830507/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 48 MB | 312 MB |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Patrick Rugebregt](https://appshunter.io/developer/1519039264) | [Zappar Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/429885271) |

## What reviewers say

### CheckMates

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/checkmates/id1545830507)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Zapbox Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zapbox-chess/id6464481037)

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*