# OpenMate vs Play Chess & Master Games

The clearest difference is rating: OpenMate at 5.0 against Play Chess & Master Games's 4.0. OpenMate also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and ratings volume (8 vs 1). Play Chess & Master Games's advantage is iOS requirement (15.6 vs 17.0). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Play Chess & Master Games sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OpenMate asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenMate holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenMate has 8 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

OpenMate ships an update every 6 days, Play Chess & Master Games every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenMate | Play Chess & Master Games |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openmate/id6760992582/reviews)** | [4.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-and-master-games/id6782240853/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **8** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 20 MB | 59 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.6** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [RAMINE ROANE](https://appshunter.io/developer/1887179395) | [Michael Adams](https://appshunter.io/developer/743520896) |

## What reviewers say

### OpenMate

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openmate/id6760992582)

Master chess openings and play against a powerful engine with integrated coaching. This app offers a private, offline experience with visual guidance and strategy tips to improve your game. Enjoy uninterrupted play with no ads or distractions.

**Highlights:** Strong, fast chess engine, Fully offline functionality, Visual coaching with move suggestions, Built-in opening knowledge, Strategy tips and explanations, Play at your own pace, no clock, Undo moves freely

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Play Chess & Master Games

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/play-chess-and-master-games/id6782240853)

Play chess against a customizable engine or study the games of chess legends. Features include engine analysis, an opening explorer, and offline play. Unlock unlimited access with a one-time purchase.

**Highlights:** Play against 8 skill levels of Pulsar engine, Study games of 20 chess masters, Over 800 World Championship games, Engine analysis and opening explorer, Offline play, no sign-up required, Searchable game lists

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Play-Watch-Unlimited | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenMate free?

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

### Is Play Chess & Master Games free?

Play Chess & Master Games is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, OpenMate or Play Chess & Master Games?

OpenMate is rated higher. OpenMate averages 5.0 out of 5 from 8 ratings, while Play Chess & Master Games averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do OpenMate or Play Chess & Master Games have ads?

Neither OpenMate nor Play Chess & Master Games shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenMate or Play Chess & Master Games?

OpenMate ships an update every 6 days, and Play Chess & Master Games every 5 days. Most recently, OpenMate was updated on October 24, 2026 and Play Chess & Master Games on October 12, 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.*