# Chess vs Chess Challenge Elite

The clearest difference is rating: Chess Challenge Elite at 4.2 against Chess's 3.6. Chess Challenge Elite also leads on review sentiment (79% vs 41%) and in-app purchases (none vs 1). Chess's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 98 months). On price, ratings volume, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

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

Chess Challenge Elite holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 17 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 41% of Chess's written reviews are positive against 79% of Chess Challenge Elite's.

Chess ships an update fortnightly, Chess Challenge Elite every 98 months. The most recent releases landed on October 21, 2026 and October 24, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess | Chess Challenge Elite |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.6 (16 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-wise-3/id788594027/reviews) | **[4.2 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-challenge-elite/id1263787245/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 16 | **17** |
| Positive reviews | 40.7% of reviews | **78.9% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Fortnightly** | Every 98 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 42 MB | 78 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Marcel Nijman](https://appshunter.io/developer/337888122) | [Linda Mottley](https://appshunter.io/developer/764900884) |

## What reviewers say

### 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 |


### Chess Challenge Elite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-challenge-elite/id1263787245)

Engage in classic board game strategy against AI or a friend. Offers multiple difficulty levels, game modes, and customization options for pieces and boards. Track your progress with statistics and hints.

**Highlights:** 12 AI play levels, Casual and Pro modes, 2 player hot-seat, Chess stats and hints, Customizable boards and pieces, Sound effects

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess free?

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

### Is Chess Challenge Elite free?

Chess Challenge Elite is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Chess or Chess Challenge Elite?

Chess Challenge Elite is rated higher. Chess averages 3.6 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Chess Challenge Elite averages 4.2 from 17 ratings.

### Do Chess or Chess Challenge Elite have ads?

Chess Challenge Elite shows ads; Chess does not.

### Which is updated more often, Chess or Chess Challenge Elite?

Chess ships an update fortnightly, and Chess Challenge Elite every 98 months. Most recently, Chess was updated on October 21, 2026 and Chess Challenge Elite on October 24, 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.*