# Plain Chess vs ChessMaster

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ChessMaster at none against Plain Chess's 10. ChessMaster also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.0 vs 17.0). Plain Chess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 4 days vs weekly). On price there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Plain Chess sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. ChessMaster asks for nothing beyond the download.

Plain Chess ships an update every 4 days, ChessMaster weekly. Both last shipped on November 5, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Plain Chess | ChessMaster |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (6 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plain-chess-play-and-learn/id6770610908/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **6** | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 4 days** | Weekly |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Size | 117 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cerebra Enterprises, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896757537) | [HYO JONG YOO](https://appshunter.io/developer/1879487756) |

## What reviewers say

### Plain Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/plain-chess-play-and-learn/id6770610908)

Enjoy offline chess matches on your iPhone without ads or accounts. Play against the computer, a friend, or use the AI Coach for strategic advice. Perfect for learning, practicing, or quick games.

**Highlights:** Offline chess play, Play against computer, Pass-and-play multiplayer, AI Coach explanations, Saved games, No ads or account required

**Features:** Family Sharing, iPhone Duo support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plain Chess Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Plain Chess Annual | $39.99 | per year |
| Plain Chess Family | $69.99 | per year |
| 25 AI Coach Answers | $2.99 | one-time |
| 10 AI Coach Credits | $2.99 | one-time |
| 75 AI Coach Answers | $7.99 | one-time |
| 30 AI Coach Credits | $7.99 | one-time |
| 250 AI Coach Answers | $19.99 | one-time |
| 100 AI Coach Credits | $19.99 | one-time |
| Plain Chess Lifetime | $99.00 | one-time |


### ChessMaster

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessmaster-ai-chess/id6775846082)

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

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Plain Chess free?

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

### Is ChessMaster free?

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

### Do Plain Chess or ChessMaster have ads?

ChessMaster shows ads; Plain Chess does not.

### Which is updated more often, Plain Chess or ChessMaster?

Plain Chess ships an update every 4 days, and ChessMaster weekly. Most recently, Plain Chess was updated on November 5, 2026 and ChessMaster on November 5, 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.*