# HIARCS Chess for iPad vs Chessimo 2.0

The clearest difference is price: Chessimo 2.0 at Free against HIARCS Chess for iPad's $9.99. Chessimo 2.0 also leads on update cadence (every 2 months vs every 5 months) and device support (3 vs 1). HIARCS Chess for iPad's advantage is review sentiment (86% vs 44%) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). On ads there is nothing between them.

Chessimo 2.0 is free to download; HIARCS Chess for iPad costs $9.99 up front. Chessimo 2.0 sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. HIARCS Chess for iPad asks for nothing beyond the download.

HIARCS Chess for iPad holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 194 and 58 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 86% of HIARCS Chess for iPad's written reviews are positive against 44% of Chessimo 2.0's.

HIARCS Chess for iPad ships an update every 5 months, Chessimo 2.0 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | HIARCS Chess for iPad | Chessimo 2.0 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $9.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.7 (194 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiarcs-chess-for-ipad/id462201312/reviews)** | [4.2 (58 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessimo-20/id960842536/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **194** | 58 |
| Positive reviews | **85.8% of reviews** | 43.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 38 MB | 122 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **11.0** |
| Devices | iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Applied Computer Concepts Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/327708157) | [8 x 8 Media AG](https://appshunter.io/developer/480983127) |

## What reviewers say

### HIARCS Chess for iPad

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hiarcs-chess-for-ipad/id462201312)

This app offers a powerful chess engine for playing and analyzing games. It caters to all skill levels, from beginners to Grandmasters, with adjustable opponent strengths and coaching features to help you improve your game. Explore classic matches and learn from a vast opening theory database.

**Highlights:** Extremely strong chess engine, Suitable for all player levels, Advanced coaching features, Multiple playing modes, Adjustable Elo strengths, PGN database transfer, Large tournament book

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Powerful chess engine
- 👍 Adjustable playing strength
- 👍 Realistic human-like play
- 👍 Excellent coaching and analysis features
- 👍 Intuitive and user-friendly interface

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes and bugs
- 🔍 Small and hard-to-read text
- 🔍 Cluttered and outdated UI design
- 💰 Expensive compared to other chess apps

**Reported bugs**

- Compatibility issues with iOS 8 and newer
- Graphical issues with move quality display
- Inability to resign or stop the game clock

**Requested features**

- Add ability to view and navigate variations
- Improve visibility and placement of game clocks
- Implement FEN clipboard/email import function
- Add back/forward buttons to navigate games
- Increase font size and readability of text


### Chessimo 2.0

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessimo-20/id960842536)

Master the game of chess with unlimited free games, over 150,000 tactics puzzles, interactive lessons, and a strong computer opponent. This app offers a unique end-to-end training experience, allowing you to practice puzzles and then immediately apply your skills against AI. Improve your rating and unlock your potential as a chess player.

**Highlights:** 150,000+ tactics puzzles, Interactive lessons and videos, Play against computer opponent, Game analysis, Opening explorer, Performance stats

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

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Activation of all Tactics Units | $2.99 | one-time |
| Activation of all Strategy Units | $2.99 | one-time |
| Activation of all Endgame Units | $2.99 | one-time |
| Activation of all opening variations | $2.99 | one-time |
| Activation of all Commented Engame-Units | $2.99 | one-time |
| Activate all Train exercises | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is HIARCS Chess for iPad free?

HIARCS Chess for iPad costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Chessimo 2.0 free?

Chessimo 2.0 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, HIARCS Chess for iPad or Chessimo 2.0?

HIARCS Chess for iPad is rated higher. HIARCS Chess for iPad averages 4.7 out of 5 from 194 ratings, while Chessimo 2.0 averages 4.2 from 58 ratings.

### Do HIARCS Chess for iPad or Chessimo 2.0 have ads?

Neither HIARCS Chess for iPad nor Chessimo 2.0 shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, HIARCS Chess for iPad or Chessimo 2.0?

HIARCS Chess for iPad ships an update every 5 months, and Chessimo 2.0 every 2 months. Most recently, HIARCS Chess for iPad was updated on October 23, 2026 and Chessimo 2.0 on October 22, 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.*