# Chess Clock by Chess.com vs Catan Universe

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Chess Clock by Chess.com at 91% against Catan Universe's 13%. Chess Clock by Chess.com also leads on rating (4.6 vs 3.8) and in-app purchases (none vs 6). Catan Universe's advantage is ratings volume (31K vs 338) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 14.0). On price, update cadence, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Catan Universe sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. Chess Clock by Chess.com asks for nothing beyond the download.

Chess Clock by Chess.com holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Catan Universe has 31K ratings behind it against 338, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Chess Clock by Chess.com's written reviews are positive against 13% of Catan Universe's.

Chess Clock by Chess.com ships an update every 3 months, Catan Universe every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 17, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Clock by Chess.com | Catan Universe |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (338 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-clock-by-chesscom/id858039162/reviews)** | [3.8 (31K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catan-universe/id1220346113/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 338 | **31K** |
| Positive reviews | **90.6% of reviews** | 12.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | #146 | **#134** |
| Size | 3 MB | 901 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Chess.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/329218552) | [United Soft Media Verlag GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/330111789) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Clock by Chess.com

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-clock-by-chesscom/id858039162)

**Currently charting:** #146 Top Free · Strategy, #169 Top Free · Board (US App Store)

This free app functions as a digital chess clock, offering customizable time controls for any game. It supports various increment and delay types, multiple stages, and handicapping, making it ideal for casual play and tournaments. Adjust time on the fly and enjoy clear displays and audio alerts.

**Highlights:** Customizable time controls, Fischer and Bronstein increments, Multiple-stage time controls, Handicapping support, On-the-fly time adjustments, Pause and interruption support, Audio alerts

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⏱️ Simple and easy to use
- 🔒 No ads or data collection
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface
- 🔊 Satisfying click sound effects
- 🕰️ Customizable time controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sound issues (no sound in silent mode, changed sound)
- 🔍 Difficulty reading in bright outdoor settings
- 🤖 Limited functionality (can't set different times for players)

**Reported bugs**

- Time not always reduced when pressing the clock quickly
- Custom time settings not always saved properly

**Requested features**

- Add warning/countdown alerts for time running out
- Allow setting different times for each player
- Provide more theme/color options
- Add vibration feedback when pressing the clock


### Catan Universe

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/catan-universe/id1220346113)

**Currently charting:** #134 Top Grossing · Board, #148 Top Free · Strategy, #171 Top Free · Board (US App Store)

Experience the classic board game and its card game counterpart on your mobile device. Trade, build, and settle on the island of Catan, competing against players worldwide. Unlock expansions and new game modes for endless strategic fun.

**Highlights:** Trade, build, and settle, Play across multiple devices with one account, Faithful adaptation of board and card games, Design your own avatar, Chat with players and form guilds, Participate in seasons and win prizes, Unlock achievements and rewards

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 200 Catan Gold | $2.99 | one-time |
| 300 Catan Gold | $3.99 | one-time |
| 500 Catan Gold | $4.99 | one-time |
| 900 Catan Gold | $7.99 | one-time |
| 1700 Catan Gold | $14.99 | one-time |
| 3000 Catan Gold | $26.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great representation of board game
- 👍 Lots of game modes and expansions
- 🎨 Good visual design

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔁 Unreliable connectivity and server issues
- 🤖 Unfair and unbalanced AI
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases

**Reported bugs**

- Game freezes and gets stuck during play
- Frequent log-out and login issues
- Inconsistent enforcement of game rules
- Disappearing resources and settlements

**Requested features**

- Add ability to mute group chat
- Improve trade interface and AI trading behavior
- Randomize dice rolls and resource distribution
- Provide more customization options for game setup


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess Clock by Chess.com free?

Chess Clock by Chess.com is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Catan Universe free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Catan Universe?

Chess Clock by Chess.com is rated higher. Chess Clock by Chess.com averages 4.6 out of 5 from 338 ratings, while Catan Universe averages 3.8 from 31K ratings.

### Do Chess Clock by Chess.com or Catan Universe have ads?

Neither Chess Clock by Chess.com nor Catan Universe shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Catan Universe?

Chess Clock by Chess.com ships an update every 3 months, and Catan Universe every 2 months. Most recently, Chess Clock by Chess.com was updated on October 17, 2026 and Catan Universe on October 18, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Catan Universe?

Chess Clock by Chess.com currently peaks at #146 in the App Store charts, and Catan Universe at #134. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*