# Chess vs Classic chess

The clearest difference is price: Classic chess at Free against Chess's $0.99. Classic chess also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 26.0). Chess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (85% vs 65%). On rating, ratings volume, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Classic chess is free to download; Chess costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Chess holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 78 and 74 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 85% of Chess's written reviews are positive against 65% of Classic chess's.

Chess ships an update every 5 months, Classic chess every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess | Classic chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $0.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.6 (78 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-tchess-lite/id296756437/reviews)** | [4.4 (74 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-chess/id1223231585/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **78** | 74 |
| Positive reviews | **85.1% of reviews** | 64.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Ad-supported |
| Size | 6 MB | 146 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Tom Kerrigan](https://appshunter.io/developer/295445504) | [Cross Field Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/465034947) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-tchess-lite/id296756437)

Enjoy a classic chess experience on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. This app offers a clean interface, beautiful graphics, and intuitive gameplay perfect for casual players. Play against a computer opponent, review game history, and track your progress.

**Highlights:** 1- or 2-player games on one device, Tap-to-move piece selection, Highlights legal moves, Full game history and move list, Built-in chess clock, Get hint feature, Undo moves

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 💡 Helpful hints and features
- 🎨 Excellent graphics and visuals
- 🧠 Challenging AI opponent

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional bugs and crashes
- 🔍 Limited difficulty levels
- 🤖 AI can be predictable at times
- 💤 Lack of online/multiplayer options

**Reported bugs**

- Inconsistent pawn movement rules
- Stalemate issues and computer refusing to resign
- Connectivity problems with Game Center

**Requested features**

- Ability to set up custom board positions
- More difficulty levels and ELO ratings
- Online/multiplayer functionality
- Notification options for opponent moves
- Chess puzzle/training mode


### Classic chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-chess/id1223231585)

Learn chess rules intuitively with easy-to-understand explanations. Play against an AI with adjustable difficulty levels, from beginner to advanced. Choose between immersive 3D graphics or clear 2D views to suit your playstyle and mood.

**Highlights:** Intuitive rule explanations, Adjustable AI difficulty, 3D and 2D board options, Beginner-friendly, Progress tracking

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess free?

Chess costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Classic chess free?

Classic chess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Chess or Classic chess?

Chess is rated higher. Chess averages 4.6 out of 5 from 78 ratings, while Classic chess averages 4.4 from 74 ratings.

### Do Chess or Classic chess have ads?

Classic chess shows ads; Chess does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chess or Classic chess?

Chess ships an update every 5 months, and Classic chess every 2 months. Most recently, Chess was updated on October 24, 2026 and Classic chess on October 24, 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.*