# SimpleChess vs ChessM8

The clearest difference is review sentiment: ChessM8 at 100% against SimpleChess's 53%. ChessM8 also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.0) and in-app purchases (none vs 8). SimpleChess's advantage is iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.6). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleChess sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. ChessM8 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ChessM8 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of SimpleChess's written reviews are positive against 100% of ChessM8's.

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, ChessM8 every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 20, 2026 and August 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleChess | ChessM8 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplechess-chess-game/id394634657/reviews) | **[5.0 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessm8/id1492951464/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **15** |
| Positive reviews | 52.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 82 MB | 46 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Europe Echecs](https://appshunter.io/developer/394634660) | [Corneliu Lupu](https://appshunter.io/developer/1544993814) |

## 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 |


### ChessM8

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessm8/id1492951464)

Engage in correspondence chess with players globally. Plan your moves, communicate with opponents, and invite others to spectate your matches. Receive post-game analysis from a computer engine.

**Highlights:** Correspondence chess play, Global player matchmaking, Move planning tools, In-game chat functionality, Spectator mode for games, Post-game computer analysis

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleChess free?

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

### Is ChessM8 free?

ChessM8 is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SimpleChess or ChessM8?

ChessM8 is rated higher. SimpleChess averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while ChessM8 averages 5.0 from 15 ratings.

### Do SimpleChess or ChessM8 have ads?

Neither SimpleChess nor ChessM8 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleChess or ChessM8?

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, and ChessM8 every 2 weeks. Most recently, SimpleChess was updated on September 20, 2026 and ChessM8 on August 18, 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.*