# SimpleChess vs Chessplode

The clearest difference is rating: Chessplode at 4.5 against SimpleChess's 4.0. Chessplode also leads on ratings volume (573 vs 8) and review sentiment (61% vs 53%). SimpleChess's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, update cadence, 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 Chessplode sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Chessplode holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chessplode has 573 ratings behind it against 8, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of SimpleChess's written reviews are positive against 61% of Chessplode's.

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, Chessplode every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleChess | Chessplode |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplechess-chess-game/id394634657/reviews) | **[4.5 (573 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessplode/id1439047052/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **573** |
| Positive reviews | 52.7% of reviews | **61.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Europe Echecs](https://appshunter.io/developer/394634660) | [Juan Manuel Altamirano Argudo](https://appshunter.io/developer/391953849) |

## 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 |


### Chessplode

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessplode/id1439047052)

This app offers a unique twist on chess where capturing a piece causes others in the same line and column to explode. It's designed to be fun and accessible, even for those who aren't skilled at traditional chess, offering both single-player and multiplayer modes.

**Highlights:** Exploding pieces on capture, Real-time multiplayer battles, User-created levels, Local multiplayer mode, AI opponent practice, Customizable color themes

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| +100 Undos | $0.99 | one-time |
| Generous Tip | $0.99 | one-time |
| Massive Tip | $1.99 | one-time |
| INFINITE UNDOS | $1.99 | one-time |
| Amazing Tip | $2.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Quick gameplay
- 👍 Beautiful and fun game
- 👍 Fantastic and great fun twist on chess
- 👍 Lovely little game
- 👍 Chess with a new challenge

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Won't open or get stuck
- 🐛 Issues with king movement and checkmate detection
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🐛 AI issues with thinking and repeating moves
- 🐛 Overly difficult, even at easy levels

**Reported bugs**

- Won't open or get stuck on certain screens
- Issues with king movement and checkmate detection
- Crashes and freezes, especially when AI is thinking
- AI issues with thinking and repeating moves

**Requested features**

- Add local multiplayer mode
- Add classic chess mode
- Add more basic puzzles
- Add ability to go back to previous levels
- Add option to remove explosions


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleChess free?

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

### Is Chessplode free?

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

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

Chessplode is rated higher. SimpleChess averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Chessplode averages 4.5 from 573 ratings.

### Do SimpleChess or Chessplode have ads?

Chessplode shows ads; SimpleChess does not.

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

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, and Chessplode every 2 weeks. Most recently, SimpleChess was updated on October 12, 2026 and Chessplode on October 7, 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.*