ChessPrep vs zChess
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
ChessPrep
Enhance your chess strategy with a powerful companion app. Build your repertoire from grandmaster moves, analyze opponent responses, and master tactics using a strong chess engine and spaced repetition.
- Build repertoire from grandmaster moves
- Analyze opponent responses by elo
- Stockfish 16 chess engine
- Spaced repetition system
- Position analysis and variation calculation
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ChessPrep is the ultimate chess companion designed to enhance your strategic prowess and elevate your game. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, ChessPrep empowers you to: Build Your Repertoire: Choose from a curated list of masterful moves played by grandmasters. Opponent Insights: Analyze the most common responses from opponents in your elo range, giving you a strategic edge. Stockfish 16 with NNUE: Access a powerful chess engine directly within the app to analyze positions, calculate variations, and refine your understanding of the game. Spaced Repetition: Master your chosen moves through an intelligent spaced repetition system, ensuring optimal retention and application during your games. ChessPrep is not just an app; it's your key to unlocking a deeper understanding of chess and outplaying your opponents.
zChess
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zChess is an opening and tactic training app that teaches openings through interactive spaced repetition training sessions and chess puzzles. End User License Agreement: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://zchess.app/privacy.html
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: ChessPrep at every 3 days against zChess's every 9 days. ChessPrep also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases 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
Both are free to download. ChessPrep sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month and zChess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
ChessPrep ships an update every 3 days, zChess every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on June 11, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | ChessPrep | zChess |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.0 (2 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 2 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 days — better | Every 9 days |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 109 MB | 14 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Stephen Papadatos | Benjamin Zobrist |
In-app purchases
ChessPrep
- ChessButler Monthly Sub$0.991 Month
- ChessButler Yearly Sub$9.991 Year
- ChessButler Lifetime Premium$19.99
zChess
- Monthly Access$4.991 Month
- Yearly Access$49.991 Year
