Comparison

Chess5x5 vs Lifeline Chess

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

Head to head
About

Chess5x5

Features
Read full description

This is a chess app that plays on 5x5 squares. You can choose between human-on-human, human-on-computer, and computer-on-computer modes. There are 3 computer levels. The initial placement of the pieces is determined by randomness, so you can enjoy a different experience each time you play. Please give it a try!

About

Lifeline Chess

This app offers a fresh take on chess with unique power-ups called Lifelines. It features real-time multiplayer, custom game creation, bot building, and a tournament system. Sharpen your skills with AI analysis and community-shared puzzles.

Highlights
  • 8 Unique Lifelines
  • Real-Time Multiplayer
  • Create Bots
  • Custom Games & Challenges
  • Tournament System
  • Stockfish 17.1 Analysis
  • Community Puzzles
Features
Read full description

Lifeline Chess brings Chess gameplay to a new level with innovative strategic power-ups called Lifelines while providing a multitude of gameplay creation and community sharing tools. KEY FEATURES: • 8 Unique Lifelines: One time use • Real-Time Multiplayer: Compete against friends • Create Bots: Play against our themed bots or create your own with unique mechanics • Custom Games: Create challenges with your bots to share or play community made games • Tournament System: Compete in Knockout or Swiss-format tournaments • Stockfish 17.1 Analysis: Review your games with full breakdowns • Community Puzzles: Sharpen your skills or make your own to share! • Rematch Clause: Enjoy more series matches • Light, Dark and 80's Modes LIFELINE POWER-UPS: • Pawn Uprising: Move two separate pawns • Best Move: Get computer recommendation • Shield: Protect a piece from capture for 1 turn • Freeze: Opponent piece cannot move for 1 turn • Teleport: Randomly teleport your king to safety • Second Chance: Undo your last move • Revive: Bring back a captured piece as a pawn • Add Time: Plus 30 seconds to your clock GAME MODES: • Matching: Jump into games vs human players • Custom Challenges: Play or design games • Community Made Puzzles: make and share • Sit N Go Tournaments: Swiss-style or Knockout Whether you're looking to improve your chess skills or just have fun with friends, Lifeline Chess offers a fresh take on the classic game while implementing a community style sharing and creation system for all chess aspects. Download now and join the Lifeline Chess Family!

Screenshots

Chess5x54 screens
Lifeline Chess4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Chess5x5 at none against Lifeline Chess's 1. Chess5x5 also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 14.0). Lifeline Chess's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence 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. Lifeline Chess sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Chess5x5 asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 5, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 6 level
Chess5x5 versus Lifeline Chess: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChess5x5Lifeline Chess
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (4 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—4 — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 daysEvery 4 days
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS11.0 — better14.0
Further details — not scored
Size54 MB8 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperBLOSSOMMOONMichael Tillman

In-app purchases

None

Chess5x5

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Lifeline Chess

One-time1
  • Lifeline Chess Full Game$3.99

Questions

Is Chess5x5 free?
Chess5x5 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Lifeline Chess free?
Lifeline Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Chess5x5 or Lifeline Chess have ads?
Chess5x5 shows ads; Lifeline Chess does not.
Which is updated more often, Chess5x5 or Lifeline Chess?
Chess5x5 ships an update every 4 days, and Lifeline Chess every 4 days. Most recently, Chess5x5 was updated on November 3, 2026 and Lifeline Chess on November 5, 2026.

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