# Hardwood Backgammon vs Backgammon AI

The clearest difference is ads: Backgammon AI at none against Hardwood Backgammon's shown. Backgammon AI also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs every 2 months) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Hardwood Backgammon's advantage is rating (4.3 vs 4.1) and ratings volume (166 vs 15). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Hardwood Backgammon sells 16 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Backgammon AI sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Hardwood Backgammon holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Hardwood Backgammon has 166 ratings behind it against 15, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 63% of Hardwood Backgammon's written reviews are positive against 50% of Backgammon AI's.

Hardwood Backgammon ships an update every 2 months, Backgammon AI every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and September 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Hardwood Backgammon | Backgammon AI |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.3 (166 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardwood-backgammon/id897715914/reviews)** | [4.1 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-ai-vs-computer/id6761034334/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **166** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **62.5% of reviews** | 50.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 105 MB | 10 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Silver Creek Entertainment](https://appshunter.io/developer/493710735) | [Asa Ivry Block](https://appshunter.io/developer/1163264141) |

## What reviewers say

### Hardwood Backgammon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hardwood-backgammon/id897715914)

Experience the classic board game with this digital adaptation. Play against a strong AI, challenge friends locally, or compete with players worldwide. Features include full match play, a doubling cube, and engaging achievements.

**Highlights:** Single player vs AI, Online multiplayer, 2 player local mode, Full match play, Doubling cube, Achievements

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

**In-app purchases (16)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus Membership | $4.99 | per month |
| 1 Month Plus Membership | $4.99 | per month |
| Plus Membership | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| 3 Month Plus Membership | $14.99 | per 3 months |
| Plus Membership | $29.99 | per year |
| 12 Month Plus Membership | $29.99 | per year |
| Pack of 80 Tokens | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 165 Tokens | $1.99 | one-time |
| Plus Membership | $2.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 425 Tokens | $4.99 | one-time |
| 1 Month Plus Membership | $4.99 | one-time |
| Plus Membership | $4.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 865 Tokens | $9.99 | one-time |
| Plus Membership | $14.99 | one-time |
| Plus Membership | $19.99 | one-time |
| Pack of 1800 Tokens | $19.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎨 High-quality graphics and visual design
- 🎵 Relaxing sound effects and audio
- 👍 Clean, intuitive interface
- 🎮 Multiple game modes (single and multiplayer)
- ⚡ Minimal ads and non-intrusive monetization

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎲 Perceived unfair/rigged dice rolls favoring AI
- 😤 Computer gets excessive doubles and perfect rolls
- 🔒 Paywall features and token-based progression
- 📱 Game board too small on large screens
- 🐢 Game performance issues and slowness

**Reported bugs**

- App fails to load on some devices
- Apple TV version blocks legal moves
- Controls unresponsive on Apple TV
- Unclear how to enable local multiplayer between devices
- Game becomes unresponsive during gameplay

**Requested features**

- Acey-Deucey game variant
- Larger, scalable game board for tablets
- Better difficulty settings based on strategy, not just dice manipulation
- More multiplayer players available
- Customizable game rules and settings


### Backgammon AI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-ai-vs-computer/id6761034334)

Experience a classic board game with a smart AI opponent across four difficulty levels. Enjoy online multiplayer, customizable themes, and helpful move previews. Play for free with no ads or subscriptions.

**Highlights:** Four AI difficulty levels, Online multiplayer via Game Center, Pass-and-play mode, Full doubling cube support, Three visual themes, Move previews and animations, Available in 14 languages

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Expert AI Unlock | $1.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Hardwood Backgammon free?

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

### Is Backgammon AI free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Hardwood Backgammon or Backgammon AI?

Hardwood Backgammon is rated higher. Hardwood Backgammon averages 4.3 out of 5 from 166 ratings, while Backgammon AI averages 4.1 from 15 ratings.

### Do Hardwood Backgammon or Backgammon AI have ads?

Hardwood Backgammon shows ads; Backgammon AI does not.

### Which is updated more often, Hardwood Backgammon or Backgammon AI?

Hardwood Backgammon ships an update every 2 months, and Backgammon AI every 5 days. Most recently, Hardwood Backgammon was updated on October 6, 2026 and Backgammon AI on September 29, 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.*