# Backgammon ∙ vs Backgammon Now

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Backgammon ∙ at none against Backgammon Now's 3. Backgammon ∙ also leads on ratings volume (78K vs 346). Backgammon Now's advantage is iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.6). On price, rating, review sentiment and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backgammon Now sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.49 per month. Backgammon ∙ asks for nothing beyond the download.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Backgammon ∙ against 4.4 for Backgammon Now. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backgammon ∙ has 78K ratings behind it against 346, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 26% of Backgammon ∙'s written reviews are positive against 31% of Backgammon Now's.

Backgammon ∙ ships an update every 4 months, Backgammon Now every 3 months. Both last shipped on September 30, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backgammon ∙ | Backgammon Now |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (78K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon/id335445524/reviews)** | [4.4 (346 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-now/id1447093944/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **78K** | 346 |
| Positive reviews | 26.4% of reviews | **31.4% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 4 months | **Every 3 months** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 144 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Optime Software LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/289278460) | [Cobra Mobile Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/290142990) |

## What reviewers say

### Backgammon ∙

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon/id335445524)

Enjoy the classic board game of Backgammon on your mobile device. Play against friends or a computer opponent with adjustable difficulty. Features include move highlighting, match play, and automatic saving.

**Highlights:** 1 and 2 player modes, Challenging AI with 3 difficulty levels, Highlighting of possible moves, Match play to configurable points, Undo function, Automatic save

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth gameplay
- 👍 Good visuals and interface
- 🕰 Great for passing time

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Unfair dice rolls favoring the computer
- 🤖 Computer AI cheats on higher difficulty levels
- 💢 Frustrating when computer gets perfect rolls
- 🔍 Lack of randomness in dice rolls

**Reported bugs**

- Game resets in the middle of a match
- Ads cover the screen and are difficult to close

**Requested features**

- Add option to see game statistics and win/loss record
- Improve randomness of dice rolls
- Adjust AI difficulty to be more challenging but fair


### Backgammon Now

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-now/id1447093944)

Experience a fun and relaxing way to play Backgammon. Challenge a computer opponent, track your progress with game stats, and enjoy customizable themes. Learn the game easily with built-in instructions and realistic dice physics.

**Highlights:** Computer opponent, Game stats tracking, Customizable board themes, Adjustable difficulty, Touch-to-move or drag-to-move, Random physics-based dice, Easy 'How to Play' guide

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BACKGAMMON NOW PREMIUM 1 MONTH | $1.49 | per month |
| UNLOCK BOARDS of the WORLD | $0.99 | one-time |
| REMOVE ALL ADVERTS | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 User-friendly interface and easy navigation
- 🎨 Visually appealing graphics and presentation
- 🔊 Good sound effects and audio design
- 📊 Tracks win/loss statistics and match history
- 🎮 Suitable for beginners learning backgammon

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Dice rolls appear biased toward AI opponent
- 🤖 AI makes illogical moves and poor strategy
- 📺 Excessive ads disrupt gameplay experience
- ⚙️ Inconsistent game rules and mechanics
- 🐢 Game moves slowly with required confirmations

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezes and becomes unresponsive
- App locks and prevents access to home screen
- Stuck on ad screen with no way to close
- Cannot connect to real players
- Unauthorized clipboard pasting on app switch

**Requested features**

- Auto-finish option when both sides are clear
- Ability to initiate doubling cube independently
- Hot seat/pass-and-play multiplayer mode
- Game save functionality for longer durations
- Adjustable difficulty settings


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backgammon ∙ free?

Backgammon ∙ is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Backgammon Now free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backgammon ∙ or Backgammon Now?

Backgammon ∙ is rated higher. Backgammon ∙ averages 4.5 out of 5 from 78K ratings, while Backgammon Now averages 4.4 from 346 ratings.

### Do Backgammon ∙ or Backgammon Now have ads?

Both Backgammon ∙ and Backgammon Now show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backgammon ∙ or Backgammon Now?

Backgammon ∙ ships an update every 4 months, and Backgammon Now every 3 months. Most recently, Backgammon ∙ was updated on September 30, 2026 and Backgammon Now on September 30, 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.*