Comparison

Chess vs BrainHot

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

Head to head
About

Chess

Master the game of chess with this comprehensive app. Learn step-by-step, play against adaptive AI across 100 difficulty levels, and sharpen your skills with thousands of puzzles. Enjoy offline play and track your progress with an ELO rating.

Highlights
  • 100 difficulty levels
  • Interactive learning coach
  • Thousands of chess puzzles
  • Adaptive AI opponent
  • ELO rating tracker
  • Multiple game modes
  • Offline play
Features
Read full description

Play Chess – Learn, Train & Challenge with the Ultimate Chess App Take your chess to the next level with the ultimate chess app for iPhone and iPad. Whether you’re a beginner learning chess, an intermediate player looking to improve, or an advanced competitor training like a grandmaster, our app has everything you need. Powered by an award-winning chess engine, it feels like you’re playing against a real opponent – not just a computer. With 100 skill levels, automatic ELO rating tracking, and personalized difficulty that adapts to your style, you’ll always find the perfect challenge. No accounts. No fuss. Just download and start playing chess instantly. Key Features World Chess Champion Software 2026 Award Winner using Ginkgo 150 difficulty levels – from beginner to grandmaster strength Adaptive chess engine – plays like a human and adjusts to your skill ELO rating calculator – track your progress and growth Powerful AI – ranked 4th in the World Microcomputer Chess Championship Learn chess with a built-in coach – highlights best moves and alternatives Solve 1000s of chess puzzles – improve tactics, strategy, and endgame skills Huge book of chess openings Database of famous chess games – study, replay, and analyze the masters Multiple modes – Classic, Blitz, Training, Two-Player, and Analysis Mode Custom boards and sets – from traditional chess book style to modern themes Full chess rules supported – castling, en passant, pawn promotion, and more Minimal ads, no login required – play chess instantly without interruptions Whether you enjoy casual games, serious training, or fast-paced blitz chess, this app has you covered. Always challenging, sometimes aggressive, and never boring – just like real chess should be. Perfect for: Beginners who want to learn chess step by step Casual players who enjoy fun, relaxing games Competitive players who want to train like a grandmaster Puzzle lovers who want to sharpen their tactics End User License Agreement ("Agreement") (EULA) https://www.mastersoft.biz/eula.htm Privacy policy https://www.mastersoft.biz/privacy.htm

About

BrainHot

Features
Read full description

BrainHot is a memory game designed to challenge your recall and keep you focused. BrainHot has 4 different game modes. NEW MODE: ESCAPE THE DUNGEON In the new Escape the Dungeon mode: • When a round starts, every path is visible — then they close. • You must keep those paths in mind to reach the exit. • After the paths disappear, tap each square once to draw your route. • At the end of a level you raise one element power by +1 (Fire, Water, Earth). • As you level up, getting past fire, water, and earth on the path depends on the element power you have built. SHAPE Shape mode asks you to track the shapes. For example, you see the first 2 shapes with no choice. On the 3rd shape the decision starts: if it matches the 1st, tap the button to score. If it does not match, do nothing — the game treats that as “not the same.” If you were right, you score again. PAIRS In Pairs mode: • All cards are shown first, then they close. • Match the same cards to clear the level. • As you level up, the grid grows and choices get harder. • Cards are revealed once at the start of each level. • You have a limited number of moves based on the grid and difficulty. Finish the level before they run out. COLOR In Color mode you track color, not shape. • You make no choice on the first two steps. • On step 3 the app asks whether the color on screen matches the first step. • If it matches, tap the button to score. • If it does not, do nothing — and you still score when you wait correctly. No ads. No tracking. Works offline.

Screenshots

Chess4 screens
BrainHot4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Chess at Free against BrainHot's $0.99. Chess also leads on device support (4 vs 2) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 26.5). BrainHot's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ads (none vs shown). On update cadence 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

Chess is free to download; BrainHot costs $0.99 up front. Chess sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. BrainHot asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chess ships an update every 5 days, BrainHot every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on November 4, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Chess versus BrainHot: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChessBrainHot
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.6 (1.6K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews90.5% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.6K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 daysEvery 3 days — better
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.1 — better26.5
Further details — not scored
Size276 MB10 MB
Age rating12+9+
DeveloperMastersoftSercan Islekler

Bugs and requests

Chess

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Pawn disappearing issue when castling
  • Ratings not updating properly after games
  • Crashes on certain iOS versions

Requested features

4 requests
  • More detailed explanations for suggested moves
  • Option to play against other users online
  • Ability to set up custom board positions
  • Slower computer move speeds for beginners

BrainHot

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

2 purchases

Chess

One-time2
  • Buy Chess Pro.$2.99
  • Upgrade to Ginkgo. 10% Off.$9.95
None

BrainHot

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chess free?
Chess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is BrainHot free?
BrainHot costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chess or BrainHot have ads?
Chess shows ads; BrainHot does not.
Which is updated more often, Chess or BrainHot?
Chess ships an update every 5 days, and BrainHot every 3 days. Most recently, Chess was updated on November 4, 2026 and BrainHot on October 31, 2026.

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