# PatternForge vs Checkmate Academy

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Checkmate Academy at none against PatternForge's 2. PatternForge's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PatternForge sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Checkmate Academy asks for nothing beyond the download.

PatternForge ships an update every 2 days, Checkmate Academy every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 19, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | PatternForge | Checkmate Academy |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patternforge-chess-tactics/id6760562677/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 days** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 57 MB | 15 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.4** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [ZYAGA LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1860895535) | [Anupam Chugh](https://appshunter.io/developer/1459739274) |

## What reviewers say

### PatternForge

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/patternforge-chess-tactics/id6760562677)

This app uses spaced repetition to help you master chess tactics. Solve puzzles adapted to your skill level, review them on a schedule, and import your own games to turn mistakes into training opportunities. Create custom puzzle sets to focus on specific patterns and improve your game.

**Highlights:** Spaced repetition training, Adaptive puzzle difficulty, Game import from Chess.com/Lichess, Custom puzzle sets, Theme-based training, Progress tracking

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pro Monthly | $2.99 | per month |
| Pro Yearly | $29.99 | per year |


### Checkmate Academy

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/checkmate-academy/id6760925352)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PatternForge free?

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

### Is Checkmate Academy free?

Checkmate Academy is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do PatternForge or Checkmate Academy have ads?

Neither PatternForge nor Checkmate Academy shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PatternForge or Checkmate Academy?

PatternForge ships an update every 2 days, and Checkmate Academy every 2 months. Most recently, PatternForge was updated on October 19, 2026 and Checkmate Academy on October 7, 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.*