# Backgammon NJ HD vs Ludo STAR

The clearest difference is price: Ludo STAR at Free against Backgammon NJ HD's $7.99. Ludo STAR also leads on update cadence (every 6 days vs every 5 months) and ratings volume (105K vs 3.7K). Backgammon NJ HD's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (55% vs 31%). On rating, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Ludo STAR is free to download; Backgammon NJ HD costs $7.99 up front. Backgammon NJ HD sells 3 one-off in-app purchases and Ludo STAR sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for Backgammon NJ HD against 4.5 for Ludo STAR. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Ludo STAR has 105K ratings behind it against 3.7K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 55% of Backgammon NJ HD's written reviews are positive against 31% of Ludo STAR's.

Backgammon NJ HD ships an update every 5 months, Ludo STAR every 6 days. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backgammon NJ HD | Ludo STAR |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $7.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.5 (3.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665/reviews)** | [4.5 (105K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ludo-star/id1198143062/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 3.7K | **105K** |
| Positive reviews | **55.0% of reviews** | 31.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #59 | **#8** |
| Size | 55 MB | 491 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Jimmy Hu](https://appshunter.io/developer/328168562) | [Gameberry Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1249189555) |

## What reviewers say

### Backgammon NJ HD

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-nj-hd/id371380665)

**Currently charting:** #59 Top Paid · Board, #178 Top Paid · Strategy (US App Store)

Play backgammon against a powerful AI, a friend on the same device, or players worldwide. Improve your skills with tutor mode and detailed analysis. Offers customizable options and supports all iOS devices.

**Highlights:** Neural network AI, Online multiplayer (real-time & turn-based), 2-player mode on one device, Tutor Mode & Hints, Customizable board and checkers, Match play and single games, Game Center integration

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Analysis Package | $2.99 | one-time |
| Online VIP | $2.99 | one-time |
| Power User | $4.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Excellent backgammon app
- 🧠 Challenging AI opponent
- 🔍 Helpful analysis and stats
- 📚 Great for learning and improving

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Questionable dice rolls and randomness
- 🤖 AI appears to cheat or have unfair advantage
- 🐛 Crashes and stability issues
- 💰 Paid app with in-app purchases

**Reported bugs**

- Frequent crashes
- Unreliable online play and matchmaking
- Issues with syncing progress across devices

**Requested features**

- Manual dice rolling option
- Ability to undo moves
- Improved online/multiplayer experience
- More difficulty levels


### Ludo STAR

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ludo-star/id1198143062)

**Currently charting:** #8 Top Grossing · Family, #13 Top Grossing · Board, #40 Top Free · Family, #129 Top Free · Board, #182 Top Grossing · Games (US App Store)

Relive the nostalgic thrill of Ludo with this online multiplayer board game. Play with friends, family, or new acquaintances worldwide, enjoying classic and modern variations with exciting features and rewards.

**Highlights:** Play with friends and family, Make new friends globally, Multiple game modes and variations, Undo feature, Live chat and voice notes, Challenging tournaments, Collectable dice options

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

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pick A Card | $0.99 | one-time |
| STAR Starter Gems Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| STAR Starter Gold Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hearts Starter Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Star Gems Pack | $0.99 | one-time |
| Gems BIG Pack (1000 Gems) | $1.99 | one-time |
| STAR Big Gems Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Star Gems Pack | $2.99 | one-time |
| Gems Offer | $3.99 | one-time |
| Star Gems Pack | $4.99 | one-time |
| Gems Super Pack (3000 gems) | $4.99 | one-time |
| STAR Large Gems Pack | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Fun gameplay
- 🕹️ Addictive experience
- 🎨 Appealing visual design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Unfair dice rolls
- 🤖 Rigged algorithm favoring high-level players
- 💰 Pay-to-win mechanics
- 🤬 Toxic community and harassment
- 🕰️ Slow and frustrating gameplay

**Reported bugs**

- Disappearing coins and gems
- Freezing and crashing issues
- Incorrect dice numbers displayed

**Requested features**

- Ability to play with friends without Facebook
- Improved matchmaking and skill-based pairing
- Stricter moderation and banning of abusive players
- More balanced and random dice rolls


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backgammon NJ HD free?

Backgammon NJ HD costs $7.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Ludo STAR free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backgammon NJ HD or Ludo STAR?

Backgammon NJ HD is rated higher. Backgammon NJ HD averages 4.5 out of 5 from 3.7K ratings, while Ludo STAR averages 4.5 from 105K ratings.

### Do Backgammon NJ HD or Ludo STAR have ads?

Ludo STAR shows ads; Backgammon NJ HD does not.

### Which is updated more often, Backgammon NJ HD or Ludo STAR?

Backgammon NJ HD ships an update every 5 months, and Ludo STAR every 6 days. Most recently, Backgammon NJ HD was updated on November 1, 2026 and Ludo STAR on November 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Backgammon NJ HD or Ludo STAR?

Backgammon NJ HD currently peaks at #59 in the App Store charts, and Ludo STAR at #8. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*