# OpenMate vs Chess Variants Studio

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenMate at none against Chess Variants Studio's 1. Chess Variants Studio'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. Chess Variants Studio sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. OpenMate asks for nothing beyond the download.

OpenMate ships an update every 6 days, Chess Variants Studio every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | OpenMate | Chess Variants Studio |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (8 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openmate/id6760992582/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **8** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 6 days** | Every 9 days |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Size | 20 MB | 8 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


### Chess Variants Studio

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-variants-studio/id6789392443)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlimited Plays and Views | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is OpenMate free?

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

### Is Chess Variants Studio free?

Chess Variants Studio is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do OpenMate or Chess Variants Studio have ads?

Neither OpenMate nor Chess Variants Studio shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, OpenMate or Chess Variants Studio?

OpenMate ships an update every 6 days, and Chess Variants Studio every 9 days. Most recently, OpenMate was updated on October 24, 2026 and Chess Variants Studio on October 31, 2026.

---

*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*