# Chess Studio Lite vs Chess

The clearest difference is rating: Chess Studio Lite at 4.4 against Chess's 3.6. Chess Studio Lite also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (64% vs 41%). Chess's advantage is iOS requirement (9.0 vs 15.0). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Chess sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Chess Studio Lite asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chess Studio Lite holds the better App Store score, 4.4 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 11 and 16 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 64% of Chess Studio Lite's written reviews are positive against 41% of Chess's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 7, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Studio Lite | Chess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.4 (11 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937/reviews)** | [3.6 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-wise-3/id788594027/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 11 | **16** |
| Positive reviews | **63.6% of reviews** | 40.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 237 MB | 42 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **9.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Giordano Vicoli](https://appshunter.io/developer/460922805) | [Marcel Nijman](https://appshunter.io/developer/337888122) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Studio Lite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-studio-lite/id694586937)

Manage and analyze chess games and databases in PGN format. Study openings, practice against engines, and solve puzzles with advanced analysis tools. Supports multiple devices and cloud storage integration.

**Highlights:** PGN database management, Game analysis with Stockfish 18, Opening book creation and import, Diagram recognition, Cloud storage integration, Play against engine (standard & Chess 960)

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Chess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-wise-3/id788594027)

Engage in chess with a comprehensive suite of tools for analysis, annotation, and online play. Explore game trees with side-lines, add detailed comments, and enjoy a stable FICS server connection. Features include a robust database, opening/endgame browsers, and training videos.

**Highlights:** Game tree representation with side-lines, Detailed game annotation, Stable FICS server communication, Enhanced FICS interface, Improved database and setup screen, Opening and endgame browser, Links to training videos

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unlock PRO | $5.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess Studio Lite free?

Chess Studio Lite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Chess free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chess Studio Lite or Chess?

Chess Studio Lite is rated higher. Chess Studio Lite averages 4.4 out of 5 from 11 ratings, while Chess averages 3.6 from 16 ratings.

### Do Chess Studio Lite or Chess have ads?

Neither Chess Studio Lite nor Chess shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chess Studio Lite or Chess?

Chess Studio Lite ships an update fortnightly, and Chess fortnightly. Most recently, Chess Studio Lite was updated on October 7, 2026 and Chess on October 15, 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.*