# Backgammon Masters vs Backgammon PlayGem

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon PlayGem at 4.5 against Backgammon Masters's 3.8. Backgammon PlayGem also leads on review sentiment (52% vs 33%) and ratings volume (16K vs 1.1K). Backgammon Masters's advantage is iOS requirement (13.5 vs 15.0). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backgammon Masters sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and Backgammon PlayGem sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Backgammon PlayGem holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backgammon PlayGem has 16K ratings behind it against 1.1K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Backgammon Masters's written reviews are positive against 52% of Backgammon PlayGem's.

Backgammon Masters ships an update fortnightly, Backgammon PlayGem monthly. The most recent releases landed on November 10, 2026 and November 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backgammon Masters | Backgammon PlayGem |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-masters/id466854342/reviews) | **[4.5 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-playgem-play-live/id858467955/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 1.1K | **16K** |
| Positive reviews | 33.1% of reviews | **51.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 332 MB | 398 MB |
| Requires iOS | **13.5** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 12+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [2KB LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/447008232) | [Playgem Technologies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/685298977) |

## What reviewers say

### Backgammon Masters

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-masters/id466854342)

Experience the classic board game with modern graphics and multiple variations. Play against AI, friends, or online opponents in tournaments, with customizable profiles and live chat. Enjoy fair dice rolls and track your progress with extensive statistics.

**Highlights:** Multiple backgammon styles (Narde, Tavla, Nackgammon), Online multiplayer and AI opponent modes, Daily tournaments, Hotseat mode for local play, Customizable profiles and global chat, Fair and verifiable dice rolls, Extensive game statistics

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| "No ads package GIFT" | Free | one-time |
| "No ads package" | $1.99 | one-time |
| Gold coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| 20 Spins for Wheel of Fortune | $1.99 | one-time |
| Bag of gold | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sack of gold - FIRE SALE! | $4.99 | one-time |
| Sack of gold | $9.99 | one-time |
| Chest of gold | $19.99 | one-time |
| Pile of gold - FIRE SALE! | $24.99 | one-time |
| Pile of gold | $49.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fair dice rolls
- 🎨 Excellent graphics and visuals
- 💬 Good communication options with opponents
- 🕹️ Smooth gameplay and intuitive controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Unfair dice rolls favoring opponents
- 🤖 Rigged algorithm to force losses
- 💰 Monetization tactics to force in-app purchases
- 🛑 Inability to block or avoid certain players

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes or freezes after updates
- Incorrect move registrations or inability to make legal moves
- Coins disappearing from user accounts

**Requested features**

- Resign button to avoid waiting for game to end
- Option to play against AI without connecting to internet
- Ability to choose opponents based on skill level or location


### Backgammon PlayGem

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-playgem-play-live/id858467955)

Engage in thrilling multiplayer Backgammon matches against friends or players worldwide. Learn the rules, refine your strategy, and compete in tournaments to climb the leaderboards. Unlock unique boards and enjoy unlimited, free gameplay.

**Highlights:** Multiplayer Backgammon, Online challenges and tournaments, Play with friends or global players, Learn rules and perfect strategy, Unlockable unique boards, Leaderboard progression, Certified dice

**Features:** iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50,000 backgammon chips | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100,000 backgammon chips | $1.99 | one-time |
| 300,000 backgammon chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| 500,000 backgammon chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| Super Bonus | $4.99 | one-time |
| 300,000 backgammon Chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1,500,000 backgammon chips | $9.99 | one-time |
| 750,000 backgammon chips | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2,400,000 backgammon chips | $24.99 | one-time |
| 15,000,000 backgammon Chips | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Competitive gameplay
- 🎨 Good graphics
- ⏱️ Quick games
- 🌐 Ability to play against players worldwide

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🎲 Perceived issues with dice rolls and randomness
- 🤖 Suspicion of rigged/manipulated games
- 💰 Aggressive monetization tactics
- 🕰️ Slow response times and timeouts

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to move pieces when needed
- Inconsistent behavior when opponent times out
- Freezing and crashing during gameplay
- Syncing issues between devices

**Requested features**

- Chat feature to communicate with opponents
- Improved matchmaking based on skill level
- More customization options for the game board
- Better customer support and issue resolution


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backgammon Masters free?

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

### Is Backgammon PlayGem free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backgammon Masters or Backgammon PlayGem?

Backgammon PlayGem is rated higher. Backgammon Masters averages 3.8 out of 5 from 1.1K ratings, while Backgammon PlayGem averages 4.5 from 16K ratings.

### Do Backgammon Masters or Backgammon PlayGem have ads?

Both Backgammon Masters and Backgammon PlayGem show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Backgammon Masters or Backgammon PlayGem?

Backgammon Masters ships an update fortnightly, and Backgammon PlayGem monthly. Most recently, Backgammon Masters was updated on November 10, 2026 and Backgammon PlayGem on November 12, 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.*