# Chess vs Chessnut Next

The clearest difference is price: Chessnut Next at Free against Chess's $3.99. Chessnut Next also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). Chess's advantage is ratings volume (117 vs 12). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Chessnut Next is free to download; Chess costs $3.99 up front. Chess sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Chessnut Next asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chessnut Next holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Chess has 117 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Chess ships an update fortnightly, Chessnut Next every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess | Chessnut Next |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $3.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.7 (117 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio/id684224545/reviews) | **[5.0 (12 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessnut-next/id6777044302/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **117** | 12 |
| Positive reviews | 92.0% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 237 MB | 338 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Giordano Vicoli](https://appshunter.io/developer/460922805) | [Xenx Technology Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1682861638) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio/id684224545)

Manage and study chess databases and games in PGN format with advanced analysis tools. Supports game creation, modification, and import from various sources. Includes engine analysis, opening book management, and puzzle training.

**Highlights:** PGN database and game management, Create, modify, and import games, Advanced engine analysis with Stockfish, Opening book and ChessBase support, Chess 960 (Fischer Random) support, Diagram recognition for PGN conversion, Puzzle training and online play

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Monthly Premium Subscription | $0.99 | per month |
| Yearly Premium Subscription | $8.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Powerful chess database features
- 👍 Comprehensive analysis tools
- 👍 Excellent PGN management
- 👍 Great value for price
- 👍 Frequent updates and improvements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Steep learning curve
- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🐛 Unintuitive interface
- 🐛 Some users find it confusing
- 🐛 Missing dark mode

**Reported bugs**

- Problem saving updated game data
- Engine stopped working after 30 seconds
- App crashes when adding annotations without hitting 'edit mode' first
- Crash opening .pgn in landscape mode
- Crashes when selecting a cell with 0 games associated

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode
- Add board flip button
- Improve interface for screen reader users
- Add private game feature with code
- Add computer whole game analysis with annotations


### Chessnut Next

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chessnut-next/id6777044302)

Enhance your chess experience by connecting a smart board to digitally record moves, play against AI, and analyze games. Offers tactical training, custom position creation, and voice input for hands-free play. Review your games with detailed reports and share your progress.

**Highlights:** Smart board connection, Play against chess engines, Automatic game recording, On-device Stockfish analysis, Tactical training and puzzles, Board editor and position recognition, Voice move input

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess free?

Chess costs $3.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Chessnut Next free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chess or Chessnut Next?

Chessnut Next is rated higher. Chess averages 4.7 out of 5 from 117 ratings, while Chessnut Next averages 5.0 from 12 ratings.

### Do Chess or Chessnut Next have ads?

Neither Chess nor Chessnut Next shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chess or Chessnut Next?

Chess ships an update fortnightly, and Chessnut Next every 3 weeks. Most recently, Chess was updated on October 1, 2026 and Chessnut Next on September 17, 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.*