# SimpleChess vs Classic Chess

SimpleChess and Classic Chess both sit at 4.0 stars, but that hides the real split: 100% of Classic Chess's written reviews are positive against 53% of SimpleChess's. SimpleChess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 8 days vs monthly). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SimpleChess sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and Classic Chess sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Classic Chess holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 8 and 6 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 53% of SimpleChess's written reviews are positive against 100% of Classic Chess's.

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, Classic Chess monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 1, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SimpleChess | Classic Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simplechess-chess-game/id394634657/reviews) | **[4.2 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-chess-board-game/id6747050907/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 6 |
| Positive reviews | 52.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 8 days** | Monthly |
| 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) | [Rodrigo Belloso](https://appshunter.io/developer/1361382340) |

## 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 (4)**

| 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 |


### Classic Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/classic-chess-board-game/id6747050907)

Engage in classic chess battles offline or with a friend on the same device. Features smart AI, intuitive controls, and a clean interface for strategic gameplay. Offers options to undo moves and restart games, with an ad-free upgrade available.

**Highlights:** Offline chess gameplay, 2-player local multiplayer, Smart AI opponents, Undo and restart moves, Clean UI and smooth animations, Ad-free upgrade option

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

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Halloween Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Cartoon Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Neon Royale Set | $1.99 | one-time |
| Go Chess Pro with 40% Discount | $2.99 | one-time |
| Remove Ads | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SimpleChess free?

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

### Is Classic Chess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, SimpleChess or Classic Chess?

Classic Chess is rated higher. SimpleChess averages 4.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Classic Chess averages 4.2 from 6 ratings.

### Do SimpleChess or Classic Chess have ads?

Classic Chess shows ads; SimpleChess does not.

### Which is updated more often, SimpleChess or Classic Chess?

SimpleChess ships an update every 8 days, and Classic Chess monthly. Most recently, SimpleChess was updated on November 1, 2026 and Classic Chess on October 30, 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.*