# Chess vs Play Chess for iMessage

The clearest difference is rating: Chess at 4.7 against Play Chess for iMessage's 3.1. Chess also leads on review sentiment (70% vs 29%) and ratings volume (39K vs 170). Play Chess for iMessage's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 4) and update cadence (daily vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chess sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Play Chess for iMessage asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chess holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chess has 39K ratings behind it against 170, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 70% of Chess's written reviews are positive against 29% of Play Chess for iMessage's.

Chess ships an update every 6 weeks, Play Chess for iMessage daily. Both last shipped on November 3, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess | Play Chess for iMessage |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (39K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess/id319305999/reviews)** | [3.1 (170 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-for-imessage/id6443798218/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **39K** | 170 |
| Positive reviews | **70.2% of reviews** | 29.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | **Daily** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 65 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.4** | 13.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Vintolo Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1453865533) | [Chess.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/329218552) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess/id319305999)

Engage in the classic game of chess with customizable graphics and multiple difficulty levels. Play against AI or a friend, with features like move undo, hints, and time controls. Enjoy a rich chess experience with detailed game history and board customization.

**Highlights:** HD graphics, 5 difficulty levels, Hint option, Play against computer or friend, 2D and 3D themes, Unlimited undo moves, Time control options

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 10 hints | $4.99 | one-time |
| 45 hints | $19.99 | one-time |
| 125 hints | $49.99 | one-time |
| 200 hints | $69.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great for beginners
- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 💡 Helpful puzzles and hints
- 🎨 Customizable chess sets
- 🎮 Fun and challenging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Glitchy pawn movement
- 🤖 AI too easy even on hard mode
- ⏱️ Stalemate issues
- 💰 Paid hints for puzzles
- 🔁 Repetitive AI moves

**Reported bugs**

- Incorrect stalemate detection
- Pieces disappearing or moving incorrectly
- Compatibility issues on older devices

**Requested features**

- Ability to replay puzzles
- Undo/redo move functionality
- Online/multiplayer mode
- More advanced AI difficulty
- Improved stalemate detection


### Play Chess for iMessage

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-for-imessage/id6443798218)

Engage in unlimited chess matches directly through iMessage with friends. Customize your game with different boards and pieces. Enjoy a casual, timer-free experience without registration or in-app purchases.

**Highlights:** Unlimited chess games, Play via iMessage, Customizable boards and pieces, Play multiple friends simultaneously, No timers or ratings, No registration required

**Features:** iMessage stickers

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Easy to play without knowing chess rules
- 🎮 Fun gameplay mechanics for iMessage
- 🎨 Theme customizer available
- 🔄 Move guide and helpful features
- 🎬 Can convert wins to GIF format

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🚫 Cannot uninstall app (major recurring issue)
- 🐛 iCloud login error persists despite being logged in
- ❌ App doesn't show on home screen
- 🔄 Must exit and reopen app to see opponent's moves
- ⚠️ Only playable in portrait mode

**Reported bugs**

- iCloud authentication error when already logged in
- App cannot be uninstalled from device
- No home screen icon appears after installation
- Game doesn't work with group chats over 2 people
- Time calculation error giving opponent extra time

**Requested features**

- Confirmation dialog for accidental game reviews
- Uninstall functionality
- Ability to choose piece color or randomize
- CPU/AI opponent mode
- Fischer random chess mode


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess free?

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

### Is Play Chess for iMessage free?

Play Chess for iMessage is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Chess or Play Chess for iMessage?

Chess is rated higher. Chess averages 4.7 out of 5 from 39K ratings, while Play Chess for iMessage averages 3.1 from 170 ratings.

### Do Chess or Play Chess for iMessage have ads?

Neither Chess nor Play Chess for iMessage shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chess or Play Chess for iMessage?

Chess ships an update every 6 weeks, and Play Chess for iMessage daily. Most recently, Chess was updated on November 3, 2026 and Play Chess for iMessage on November 3, 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.*