Comparison

SparkChess Pro vs Chess Pro with Coach

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SparkChess Pro

This ancient strategy game offers a fun and accessible experience for all skill levels. Practice against the computer, challenge friends online, or learn with interactive lessons and puzzles. Features include various board styles, a virtual coach, and progress tracking.

Highlights
  • Practice against computer or friends
  • Interactive lessons and puzzles
  • Multiple board styles (2D, 3D, fantasy)
  • Virtual Chess Coach
  • Multiplayer progress tracking
  • Save and replay games
Features
Read full description

SparkChess is the only chess game that puts fun first. With a choice of boards, computer opponents and online play, it delivers a first-class experience that is as accessible to experts as it is to beginners, kids and anyone else who wants to discover how entertaining this ancient strategy game really is. The chess game that everyone can enjoy! Too many chess apps are impossible for anyone but the experts and masters. The real test of a truly intelligent chess game isn’t how hard it is to beat, but how well it can adapt to players of all skill levels. That’s exactly what makes the award-winning SparkChess stand out. Whether you’re brand new to the chess board, looking to improve your game, to teach your kids to play, or are ready to take it to the next challenging level, everyone can find the perfect balance in SparkChess. FEATURES: * Practice chess against the computer or challenge your friends in multiplayer. * A simple user interface that makes it easy to set up and play games. * Choose from different boards: 2D, 3D and a stunning fantasy chess set. * Play casual, quick or expert games, depending on your level. * Learn chess with over 30 interactive lessons. * Study famous historcal games. * Test your skills with over 70 chess puzzles. * Learn and practice common openings and their variations (over 100 in total). * A Virtual Chess Coach explains the consequences of your moves. * The only chess game that appeals to beginners and experts alike. * Track your multiplayer progress with statistics. * Create and join teams. * Save and replay your games. * Import/Export games in PGN format. * Watch and comment on live multiplayer games. * Child-safe design, with built-in anti-abuse measures built-in. * Edit the board. * Large and friendly community of chess lovers from all over the world. Young or old, beginner or advanced, SparkChess gives you the extra edge to become a better chess player while having fun! REVIEWS “Your chess board and pieces are the best by far (compared to any other program, including Fritz 12).” “SparkChess is a superbly presented and polished program. I think you have achieved your aim of making chess fun, accessible and entertaining for a wide audience.” “I love the game and play it regularly - great work on the game” “SparkChess provides deep, intelligent gameplay… [Its] multiplayer offerings are just as impressive.” ~ MaximumPC.com, app of the week.

About

Chess Pro with Coach

Master the classic strategy game with this comprehensive chess application. Featuring multiple play modes, training tools, and a powerful engine, it caters to both beginners and experienced players aiming for Grandmaster level. Enjoy stunning HD artwork and a challenging human-like opponent.

Highlights
  • Six modes of play
  • Annotated databases and puzzles
  • Training and rated modes with ELO appraisal
  • World-class chess engine
  • 100 graded levels from novice to Grandmaster
  • Stunning HD artwork and Retina Display support
  • Hint facility and built-in coach
Features
Read full description

New Ginkgo option - World Chess Champion 2026 (ICGA). Special upgrade offer for a limited time. From Beginner (ELO 600) to AI Grandmaster (ELO 3600). Improves gameplay throughout the app. Plays like a human being at any level. Winner of "Best Strategy Game". Six modes of play. Annotated databases, Puzzles, Training Mode, Rated Mode with ELO appraisal, Blitz Mode, World Rankings and more ... Learn to play and master the classic strategy game Chess with an app that takes you from novice all the way to Grandmaster level with 100 graded levels! Mastersoft Chess has one of the World's best Desktop PC chess engines crammed inside! This engine finished 4th in the World Microcomputer Chess Championships and is not available in any other iPhone chess game. Designed by chess champions to play like a human opponent, Mastersoft Chess will take you from Novice to Grandmaster level! Features stunning high resolution sets by renowned Chess designers. Easy to play but difficult to beat, this is pick up and play chess at its best! As previously supplied by the World's biggest OEMs, and now available for a fraction of the original price thanks to the power of the App Store! The #1 Best Selling Chess App for iOS* PROFESSIONAL REVIEWS: "I bought all chess applications for iPhone and this one is probably better than many $7-9 applications. Check TEST ALL. 66 chess applications at only ONE page in the World ..." - www.chess-iphone.blogspot.com "It truly is close to flawless and is by far the best mobile Chess game I have played on any platform." - PDA 247. AWARDS HP Choice Strategy Game of the Year Smartphone Magazine runner up. Various levels, board styles and breathtaking Retina Display chess sets combine with an outstanding World beating chess engine to offer you a great playing experience and an ever increasing challenge. Whether you're just starting out or else a seasoned pro, Mastersoft Chess has something for you! BEGINNERS Hint facility. Built in coach to monitor your progress Training levels that dumb down your iPhone / iPod Touch. Take back a move if you change your mind! Your iPhone/iPod Touch checks that your moves are allowed. Simple intuitive uncluttered interface that lets you concentrate on your game. NB If you are new to Chess then please ensure that the coach is turned on in options and that the lowest difficulty level is selected. GRANDMASTERS A unique engine unlike any other - plays interesting and sometimes quite aggressive chess. Designed to play like a human opponent - right up to Grandmaster level! Huge opening Book 100% Full Chess rules including enpassant, castling etc. Thought analysis (main line, depth and score). Setup position (including castling rights, enpassant and side to move) Move forward / backward to any point in the current game. Includes Standard Chess Book Sets in addition to the realistic ones. OTHER FEATURES Huge collection of stunning high resolution chess sets in both 2D and 3D. Makes the most of Retina Display! Boards constructed from the real thing - Oak, Ash, Marble, Slate and more! Save and load games. Realistic sound effects. Adjustable piece movement animation. Autosaving of your current game. Great for novices but will grow with you and still offer a challenge at Championship level. Universal App. Play on your iPod, iPhone and iPad. No additional purchase necessary. Great value! Source: US App Store 2011. New sets, new boards, improved engine, universal app, retina artwork and more! Voted No1 best Chess app! PS Don't forget the EN PASSANT Pawns Chess rule!

Screenshots

SparkChess Pro4 screens
Chess Pro with Coach4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Chess Pro with Coach at $2.99 against SparkChess Pro's $24.99. Chess Pro with Coach also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 months) and rating (4.7 vs 4.4). SparkChess Pro's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 15.1). On ads, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

SparkChess Pro costs $24.99 and Chess Pro with Coach $2.99 up front. Chess Pro with Coach sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. SparkChess Pro asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Chess Pro with Coach holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chess Pro with Coach has 2K ratings behind it against 42, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 61% of SparkChess Pro's written reviews are positive against 88% of Chess Pro with Coach's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SparkChess Pro ships an update every 4 months, Chess Pro with Coach weekly. Both last shipped on November 6, 2026.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
SparkChess Pro versus Chess Pro with Coach: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSparkChess ProChess Pro with Coach
Price$24.99$2.99 — better
Rating4.4 (42 ratings)4.7 (2K ratings) — better
Positive reviews60.9% of reviews87.7% of reviews — better
Number of ratings422K — better
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS13.0 — better15.1
Further details — not scored
Size65 MB122 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMedia Division SRLMastersoft

Customer experience

SparkChess Pro

All ratings42 ratings
Positive81.0%
Neutral7.1%
Negative11.9%
Written reviews23 reviews
Positive60.9%
Neutral13.0%
Negative26.1%

Chess Pro with Coach

All ratings1,986 ratings
Positive94.6%
Neutral2.9%
Negative2.6%
Written reviews878 reviews
Positive87.7%
Neutral3.8%
Negative8.5%

In-app purchases

None

SparkChess Pro

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Chess Pro with Coach

One-time1
  • Upgrade to Chess Ginkgo.$9.99

Questions

Is SparkChess Pro free?
SparkChess Pro costs $24.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Chess Pro with Coach free?
Chess Pro with Coach costs $2.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, SparkChess Pro or Chess Pro with Coach?
Chess Pro with Coach is rated higher. SparkChess Pro averages 4.4 out of 5 from 42 ratings, while Chess Pro with Coach averages 4.7 from 2K ratings.
Do SparkChess Pro or Chess Pro with Coach have ads?
Neither SparkChess Pro nor Chess Pro with Coach shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SparkChess Pro or Chess Pro with Coach?
SparkChess Pro ships an update every 4 months, and Chess Pro with Coach weekly. Most recently, SparkChess Pro was updated on November 6, 2026 and Chess Pro with Coach on November 6, 2026.

Other comparisons