# SimpleChess vs The Chess Clock App

The clearest difference is rating: The Chess Clock App at 4.6 against SimpleChess's 4.0. The Chess Clock App also leads on ratings volume (31 vs 8). SimpleChess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 8 days vs every 36 months). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleChess sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and The Chess Clock App sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

The Chess Clock App holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 31 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 53% of SimpleChess's written reviews are positive against 33% of The Chess Clock App's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, The Chess Clock App every 36 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleChess | The Chess Clock App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplechess-chess-game/id394634657/reviews) | **[4.6 (31 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-chess-clock-app/id1631785302/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 8 | **31** |
| Positive reviews | **52.7% of reviews** | 33.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Every 36 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 82 MB | 37 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) | [Vida Apps Incorporated](https://appshunter.io/developer/1580682451) |

## 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 |


### The Chess Clock App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-chess-clock-app/id1631785302)

This app provides a customizable timer for various board games, including chess and shogi. It supports multiple time control modes like Sudden Death, Fischer, Byoyomi, and Handicap, allowing for individual player settings. Ideal for 2-4 player matches.

**Highlights:** Multiple time control modes, Fischer Mode support, Byoyomi Mode support, Sudden Death Mode support, Handicap time control, Customizable per-player settings, Supports 2-4 player games

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Plan - 1 Month | $2.99 | per month |
| Premium Plan - 1 Year | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleChess free?

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

### Is The Chess Clock App free?

The Chess Clock App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, SimpleChess or The Chess Clock App?

The Chess Clock App is rated higher. SimpleChess averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while The Chess Clock App averages 4.6 from 31 ratings.

### Do SimpleChess or The Chess Clock App have ads?

The Chess Clock App shows ads; SimpleChess does not.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleChess or The Chess Clock App?

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, and The Chess Clock App every 36 months. Most recently, SimpleChess was updated on October 17, 2026 and The Chess Clock App on October 15, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*