# Shelem vs Backgammon

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Shelem at 59% against Backgammon's 18%. Shelem also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.5) and update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 2 months). Backgammon's advantage is chart position (#171 vs unranked) and ratings volume (84K vs 27K). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Shelem sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Backgammon sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Shelem holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27K and 84K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 59% of Shelem's written reviews are positive against 18% of Backgammon's.

Shelem ships an update every 2 weeks, Backgammon every 2 months. Both last shipped on October 15, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Shelem | Backgammon |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (27K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelem/id930740608/reviews)** | [4.5 (84K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-board-games/id6443484197/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 27K | **84K** |
| Positive reviews | **59.2% of reviews** | 17.9% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 2 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | **#171** |
| Size | 68 MB | 227 MB |
| Requires iOS | **9.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Babak Bostan](https://appshunter.io/developer/930740607) | [Easybrain Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1190815537) |

## What reviewers say

### Shelem

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelem/id930740608)

Test your strategic thinking and memory in this challenging card game. Compete with friends online or join a league to face skilled players. Prove your worthiness for the Shelem title and enjoy hours of fun.

**Highlights:** Strategic card gameplay, Memory and reasoning skill improvement, Online multiplayer with friends, League competition, Challenging gameplay

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $0.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Fantastic game
- 🤔 Challenging brain game
- 🎨 Great graphics and design
- 🎶 Soothing background music

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs and glitches
- 🤖 Dumb AI/computer players
- ⏱️ Short timer/time issues
- 🔌 Server/connectivity problems
- 🤯 Frustrating gameplay issues

**Reported bugs**

- Game progress not saved
- Unexpected card discarding
- Incorrect point calculations
- Unresponsive controls
- Frequent crashes and freezes

**Requested features**

- Online multiplayer mode
- Customizable timer/time settings
- Improved AI/computer player logic
- Save/resume game progress
- Detailed game rules/tutorial


### Backgammon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/backgammon-board-games/id6443484197)

**Currently charting:** #171 Top Free · Board (US App Store)

Experience a classic two-player board game on your device. This logic puzzle involves rolling dice and strategically moving checkers across a board to remove them. It's designed to exercise your mind and provide a fun way to relax.

**Highlights:** Classic backgammon gameplay, Logic puzzle for two players, Dice rolling and checker movement, Brain training and relaxation, Intuitive design

**Features:** Family Sharing

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads | $14.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Clean interface
- 🚀 Quick gameplay
- 🎮 Fun game

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Unfair dice rolls
- 🤖 AI plays too conservatively
- 💰 Too many ads
- 🔧 Glitchy gameplay

**Reported bugs**

- Doubling cube blocks board view
- Incorrect bearing off rules

**Requested features**

- Additional difficulty settings
- Multiplayer mode
- Customizable board colors
- Game statistics tracking


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Shelem free?

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

### Is Backgammon free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Shelem or Backgammon?

Shelem is rated higher. Shelem averages 4.8 out of 5 from 27K ratings, while Backgammon averages 4.5 from 84K ratings.

### Do Shelem or Backgammon have ads?

Both Shelem and Backgammon show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Shelem or Backgammon?

Shelem ships an update every 2 weeks, and Backgammon every 2 months. Most recently, Shelem was updated on October 15, 2026 and Backgammon 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.*