# Backgammon PlayGem vs FriendGammon

The clearest difference is rating: Backgammon PlayGem at 4.5 against FriendGammon's 3.8. Backgammon PlayGem also leads on ratings volume (16K vs 70). FriendGammon's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). On price, review sentiment, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Backgammon PlayGem sells 10 one-off in-app purchases and FriendGammon sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Backgammon PlayGem holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Backgammon PlayGem has 16K ratings behind it against 70, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 52% and 53% positive.

Backgammon PlayGem ships an update monthly, FriendGammon every 6 days. The most recent releases landed on November 13, 2026 and November 11, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Backgammon PlayGem | FriendGammon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (16K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-playgem-play-live/id858467955/reviews)** | [3.8 (70 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/friendgammon/id1470399365/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **16K** | 70 |
| Positive reviews | 51.6% of reviews | **52.6% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 6 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 398 MB | 95 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 16.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playgem Technologies Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/685298977) | [Kiss My Art LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547296175) |

## What reviewers say

### Backgammon PlayGem

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-playgem-play-live/id858467955)

Engage in thrilling multiplayer Backgammon matches against friends or players worldwide. Learn the rules, refine your strategy, and compete in tournaments to climb the leaderboards. Unlock unique boards and enjoy unlimited, free gameplay.

**Highlights:** Multiplayer Backgammon, Online challenges and tournaments, Play with friends or global players, Learn rules and perfect strategy, Unlockable unique boards, Leaderboard progression, Certified dice

**Features:** iMessage stickers, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 50,000 backgammon chips | $0.99 | one-time |
| 100,000 backgammon chips | $1.99 | one-time |
| 300,000 backgammon chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| 500,000 backgammon chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| Super Bonus | $4.99 | one-time |
| 300,000 backgammon Chips | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1,500,000 backgammon chips | $9.99 | one-time |
| 750,000 backgammon chips | $9.99 | one-time |
| 2,400,000 backgammon chips | $24.99 | one-time |
| 15,000,000 backgammon Chips | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Competitive gameplay
- 🎨 Good graphics
- ⏱️ Quick games
- 🌐 Ability to play against players worldwide

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🎲 Perceived issues with dice rolls and randomness
- 🤖 Suspicion of rigged/manipulated games
- 💰 Aggressive monetization tactics
- 🕰️ Slow response times and timeouts

**Reported bugs**

- Inability to move pieces when needed
- Inconsistent behavior when opponent times out
- Freezing and crashing during gameplay
- Syncing issues between devices

**Requested features**

- Chat feature to communicate with opponents
- Improved matchmaking based on skill level
- More customization options for the game board
- Better customer support and issue resolution


### FriendGammon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/friendgammon/id1470399365)

Play turn-based backgammon with friends or practice against an expert AI. Track scores, chat during games, and climb the ranks in competitive leagues. Customize your game with unique board designs.

**Highlights:** Play friends via contacts or username, Turn-based gameplay, In-game chat, Play against expert AI, Game review and move analysis, Elo rating system and leagues, Customizable board designs

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

**In-app purchases (10)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium subscription (monthly) | $4.99 | per month |
| Premium subscription (yearly) | $50.00 | per year |
| Costa-Rica | $4.99 | one-time |
| NYC | $4.99 | one-time |
| Los Angeles | $4.99 | one-time |
| $5 One Time Donation | $4.99 | one-time |
| $10 One Time Donation | $9.99 | one-time |
| $20 One Time Donation | $19.99 | one-time |
| $50 One Time Donation | $49.99 | one-time |
| $100 One Time Donation | $99.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Backgammon PlayGem free?

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

### Is FriendGammon free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Backgammon PlayGem or FriendGammon?

Backgammon PlayGem is rated higher. Backgammon PlayGem averages 4.5 out of 5 from 16K ratings, while FriendGammon averages 3.8 from 70 ratings.

### Do Backgammon PlayGem or FriendGammon have ads?

Backgammon PlayGem shows ads; FriendGammon does not.

### Which is updated more often, Backgammon PlayGem or FriendGammon?

Backgammon PlayGem ships an update monthly, and FriendGammon every 6 days. Most recently, Backgammon PlayGem was updated on November 13, 2026 and FriendGammon on November 11, 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.*