Comparison

zChess vs Chaal

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

Head to head
About

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

About

Chaal

Features
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Chaal is a chess position analyzer for screenshots, photos, and printed chess diagrams. Import a board without rebuilding it by hand, then get the best move, alternatives, evaluation, winning chances, and a clear explanation. Import a position by: - Taking a photo - Choosing or pasting an image - Sharing an image from another app - Entering FEN or PGN - Pasting a board image link Recognition runs on your device and works with different board and piece styles. Recognition is in beta. If Chaal is unsure about a square, you confirm the piece before analysis instead of letting the app guess. How it works 1. Import a position from a screenshot, app, or chess book. 2. Confirm the board and choose the side to move. 3. Review the best move, alternatives, evaluation, winning chances, and explanation. Chaal saves every result automatically. Search previous analyses, see opening names when available, and share your analysis with others. Chaal Pro includes unlimited analyses, Deep analysis, and Continue the Line. Your image stays on your device. Chaal sends the confirmed chess position, not the image, for remote analysis. Built for chess study and post-game review. Do not use engine assistance during live or rated games. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://privacy-dxb.pages.dev/privacy

Screenshots

zChess3 screens
Chaal3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Chaal at every 4 days against zChess's every 9 days. Chaal also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. zChess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Chaal sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

zChess ships an update every 9 days, Chaal every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
zChess versus Chaal: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterzChessChaal
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 4 days โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size14 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperBenjamin ZobristHisa Hashisaka

In-app purchases

2 purchases

zChess

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Access$4.991 Month
  • Yearly Access$49.991 Year
1 purchases

Chaal

Subscriptions1
  • Chaal Pro$2.991 Month

Questions

Is zChess free?
zChess is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Chaal free?
Chaal is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do zChess or Chaal have ads?
Neither zChess nor Chaal shows ads.
Which is updated more often, zChess or Chaal?
zChess ships an update every 9 days, and Chaal every 4 days. Most recently, zChess was updated on October 25, 2026 and Chaal on October 7, 2026.

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