# zChess vs Gambit/chess

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Gambit/chess at none against zChess's 2. Gambit/chess also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 9 days) and iOS requirement (18.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. zChess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Gambit/chess asks for nothing beyond the download.

zChess ships an update every 9 days, Gambit/chess every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on September 29, 2026 and September 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | zChess | Gambit/chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | **[5.0 (2 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gambitchess/id6796327412/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | — | **2** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | — | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 14 MB | 14 MB |
| Requires iOS | 26.0 | **18.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Benjamin Zobrist](https://appshunter.io/developer/1511619762) | [heather sherry](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896039847) |

## What reviewers say

### zChess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/zchess/id6754181257)

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Access | $4.99 | per month |
| Yearly Access | $49.99 | per year |


### Gambit/chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gambitchess/id6796327412)

A moody, noir-styled chess game designed for quick play without account creation. Easily invite friends with a code and enjoy a streamlined experience with helpful beginner features. Practice against AI or play with others, with unlimited games available via subscription.

**Highlights:** Account-free play, Private invite codes, AI practice modes, Legal move indicators, Full chess rules support, Auto-save and resume games, Subscription for unlimited play

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is zChess free?

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

### Is Gambit/chess free?

Gambit/chess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do zChess or Gambit/chess have ads?

Neither zChess nor Gambit/chess shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, zChess or Gambit/chess?

zChess ships an update every 9 days, and Gambit/chess every 3 days. Most recently, zChess was updated on September 29, 2026 and Gambit/chess on September 25, 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.*