# SimpleChess vs SparkChess

The clearest difference is ads: SimpleChess at none against SparkChess's shown. SimpleChess also leads on update cadence (every 8 days vs every 4 months) and review sentiment (53% vs 27%). SparkChess's advantage is ratings volume (44 vs 8). On price, rating, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleChess sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and SparkChess sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.0 for SimpleChess against 4.0 for SparkChess. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SparkChess has 44 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 53% of SimpleChess's written reviews are positive against 27% of SparkChess's.

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, SparkChess every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleChess | SparkChess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplechess-chess-game/id394634657/reviews) | [4.0 (44 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkchess/id1266183605/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **44** |
| Positive reviews | **52.7% of reviews** | 26.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 4 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 71 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Europe Echecs](https://appshunter.io/developer/394634660) | [Media Division SRL](https://appshunter.io/developer/398133131) |

## What reviewers say

### SimpleChess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplechess-chess-game/id394634657)

Engage in a straightforward and rapid chess experience. Compete globally, customize your board and pieces, and track your ELO ranking. Enhance your skills with tactical training and puzzle battles.

**Highlights:** Online multiplayer chess, Customizable chessboards and pieces, Tactical training modules, Puzzle battles, ELO ranking tracking, Chess960 variant

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

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Essential Pack (Monthly plan) | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Pack (Monthly plan) | $3.99 | per month |
| Essential Pack (Annual Plan) | $24.99 | per year |
| Premium Pack (Annual Plan) | $34.99 | per year |
| 1 month extend | $0.99 | one-time |
| 3 months extend | $1.99 | one-time |
| 6 month extend | $3.99 | one-time |
| 1 year extend | $5.99 | one-time |


### SparkChess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sparkchess/id1266183605)

This chess game offers a fun and accessible experience for players of all skill levels. Enjoy various boards, computer opponents, and online multiplayer. Learn with interactive lessons, solve puzzles, and study historical games.

**Highlights:** Practice against computer or friends, Multiple board styles (2D, 3D, fantasy), Interactive chess lessons, Chess puzzles and historical game study, Virtual Chess Coach, Multiplayer progress tracking, Save and replay games

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

**In-app purchases (9)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| Yearly subscription | $9.99 | per year |
| Unlock Fantasy Board | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Deon | $0.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Guru and Alyx | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock 3D Board | $1.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Advanced Multiplayer | $3.99 | one-time |
| Unlock Advanced Features | $3.99 | one-time |
| Remove ads | $6.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleChess free?

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

### Is SparkChess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleChess or SparkChess?

SimpleChess and SparkChess are both rated 4.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 8 and 44 ratings respectively.

### Do SimpleChess or SparkChess have ads?

SparkChess shows ads; SimpleChess does not.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleChess or SparkChess?

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, and SparkChess every 4 months. Most recently, SimpleChess was updated on September 20, 2026 and SparkChess on September 21, 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.*