Comparison

ChessThink vs Checkmate Academy

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

Head to head
About

ChessThink

This app provides powerful chess engine analysis using Stockfish, the world's strongest engine. It offers tools for studying openings, reviewing games, training against AI, and exploring chess variants. Analyze any position, detect blunders, and improve your game with precision tools and an intuitive interface.

Highlights
  • Stockfish chess engine analysis
  • Position setup and exploration
  • Chess960 and variants support
  • AI bot training with adjustable difficulty
  • Pass & Play mode for local multiplayer
  • Offline analysis capability
  • Customizable visual themes
Features
Read full description

Powerful chess engine analysis meets intuitive design. ChessThink brings Stockfish - the world's strongest chess engine - to your fingertips with professional-grade position analysis and training tools. Whether you're studying openings, reviewing games, or training against AI opponents, ChessThink provides the precision analysis tools you need to elevate your chess game. CHESS ENGINE ANALYSIS - Powered by the latest Stockfish engine for master-level evaluation - Real-time evaluation bar showing position strength - Complete move history with full engine integration - Blunder detection and strategic insights - Syzygy tablebase explorer with improved interface POSITION SETUP & EXPLORATION - Position Setup editor — analyze any position you want - Comprehensive opening explorer database - Deep analysis of any game or variation - Perfect for studying famous games and strategies CHESS960 & VARIANTS - Full Chess960 (Fischer Random Chess) support - NEW: Double Fischer Random Chess (DFRC) - Explore beyond classical chess positions TRAIN WITH AI BOTS - Play against unique AI bots with personalities - Adjustable difficulty levels for all skill ranges - Streak tracking with time controls - Tournament mode for competitive practice - Learn from every game with engine feedback PLAY WITH FRIENDS - Pass & Play mode — two players, one device - 3-step game configuration wizard - Compact chess clock around the board - Dedicated game results screen CUSTOMIZATION & DESIGN - 6 stunning visual themes - Bottom tab navigation with Explore screen - Intuitive interface for beginners and masters alike - Offline analysis — train anywhere, anytime PERFECT FOR → Players seeking deeper chess analysis and game review → Tournament competitors preparing with a powerful chess engine → Coaches using professional-grade teaching tools → Chess960 enthusiasts exploring Fischer Random positions → Anyone passionate about improving their chess WHY CHESSTHINK? ChessThink combines the analytical power of the Stockfish chess engine with a polished, modern interface. No subscriptions required for core chess analysis features. Regular updates bring new capabilities and improvements. Download ChessThink and transform your approach to chess analysis. Train with confidence. Analyze with precision. Play with mastery.

About

Checkmate Academy

Features
Read full description

Checkmate Academy is your personal chess tutor — learn chess from absolute zero to confident player with structured, interactive lessons. LEARN AT YOUR PACE - 20 guided lessons across 5 levels, from how pieces move to advanced tactics - 72 interactive challenges that test your understanding on a real board - Progressive difficulty that adapts to your skill level SHARPEN YOUR TACTICS - Tactical puzzles to build pattern recognition - Opening drills covering 20 popular openings - Endgame training with 10 essential positions PLAY & IMPROVE - Play against AI at multiple difficulty levels - Study famous master games move by move - Board builder to set up and analyze any position AI COACH (iOS 26+) - Get personalized move explanations powered by Apple Intelligence - On-device AI analysis — private and fast, no internet required Built for chess lovers of all levels. No account needed. No ads. Just chess.

Screenshots

ChessThink4 screens
Checkmate Academy3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: Checkmate Academy at none against ChessThink's shown. On price, update cadence, 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and November 9, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
ChessThink versus Checkmate Academy: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChessThinkCheckmate Academy
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 2 months
AdsYesNo — better
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.4 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size144 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDawid WrzesinskiAnupam Chugh

In-app purchases

None

ChessThink

No in-app purchases

None

Checkmate Academy

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ChessThink free?
ChessThink is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Checkmate Academy free?
Checkmate Academy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ChessThink or Checkmate Academy have ads?
ChessThink shows ads; Checkmate Academy does not.
Which is updated more often, ChessThink or Checkmate Academy?
ChessThink ships an update every 2 months, and Checkmate Academy every 2 months. Most recently, ChessThink was updated on October 30, 2026 and Checkmate Academy on November 9, 2026.

Other comparisons