15 Best Chess Apps in the United States 2024: Free and Real Money Chess Apps

Begin your journey of checkmate with King & Queen! Chess isn’t just a game of strategies and skill, but it’s next to the biggest opportunity to win real cash. It offers a mixed feeling of thrill and excitement. Whether you are a chess master or a seasoned player, picking the best chess apps to play the game online can be challenging.

We’ve made it easy for you to pick the best chess apps where you can earn real money. If you’re looking to play chess only for sheer thrill and leisure, we’ve also listed the best chess apps where you can play the game for free. It is time to turn your chess power into profitable deals. Here is a list of the best chess apps for real money and the best free chess apps you can choose from:

Interested in real money games? Here are the Top Real Cash Games of 2024 to Win Real Money!

Top 8 Real Money Chess Apps

1. Chess Clash

This best chess game arrived from the treasure box of miniclip.com. Chess Clash is an app where you can learn to play chess by striking against chess masters worldwide. Other players challenge your logical chess skills in multiplayer best chess apps. Chess is a strategy-based game for checkmate kings to gain a passive income of more than up to $50 per game. Players can even wait for the tournaments to earn more than expected.

The app offers two game modes – classic chess for relaxing matches and a quick chess board game, which features fast-paced games. The app boasts a variety of game modes, like quick to longer matches full of strategies. Being a versatile choice for all playing styles, it comes with a completely free version that offers access to as many games as you won’t have thought about. It is the best chess mobile app accessible on Android or iOS devices.

Rating: 4.3/5

Pros:

• Play a completely free game with no hidden costs.
• Engaging gameplay with multiple chess game modes.

Con:

• Some in-app ads may disrupt the gaming experience.

2. Chess Payday

Chess Payday is a real cash-winning and legitimate best chess app iPhone. It functions exactly like the normal chess game available on your device. The game’s major focus is discovering the best strategy to checkmate the opponent’s king. But the basic difference creeps in with participating in the chess tournament to win money. The exciting twist of the game provides a chance to display your skill and try hard to compete for a real cash prize. The money withdrawal is quite safe and secure for all transactions you make. Chess Payday offers the best of both worlds – rewarding and competitive edges. On this best chess app, the iPhone allows you to win between $50 and $5000 with the advancement of the game and tournaments. Before heading toward other best apps to earn money by playing chess, give a try to Chess Payday to experience thrill.

Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• Huge prize pool for tournaments
• Practice tournament sessions are free and unlimited

Cons:

• Not a great option for unskilled chess players as the challenge level is high

3. Ziffi Chess

Ziffi Chess is one of the best apps for chess, combined with the thrill of playing chess, and it provides opportunities to earn money. It is available in the exciting new Chase format, providing quick gameplay access. You can play chess and earn money just by spending some time and getting committed to the game. Being a perfect combination of easy-going and fun compared to other variants of chess puzzles, it is functional on computers and smartphones. This game can sharpen the brain to a much better extent instead of wasting time on something unwanted. It offers complete entertainment and three game modes – daily league, battle mode, and friend mode. Prove your supremacy over others by climbing the leaderboard and winning a prize worth $18 in the daily league.

Rating: 4.0/5

Pros:

• A free version is available for practice and skill improvement.
• Regular paying leagues can help you earn big

Con:

• App lags between matches.

4. Real Money Chess Prizes Skillz

Chess is all about skill, but ATAY Games Ltd. has given it a twist with a lucrative deal of real money. Real Money Chess Prizes Skillz is the best chess app on the iPhone, and it takes place between two players at a time. Play in tournament mode to win huge cash prizes and other interesting awards. Back-to-back matches and strategic moves can help you beat your friends or competitors by improving your gameplay. You get to redeem the rewards for other games, including chess.

The gameplay is simple, like ancient chess, but involves one touch of buttons to access the game. Premium members can enjoy unlimited video series to browse educational and entertaining material. Participation in chess tournaments can help you win a large amount of money, more than $500.

Rating: 4.5/5

Pros:

• Advance mechanics
• Unlimited video series available for getting educated about the chess game

Con:

• Issue related to the setting of moves

Also Read: Top Memory Games For Adults

5. Chess Online – Clash of Kings

Let the treasure hunt begin with a lucrative twist of pawns – Clash of Kings! This best app for chess features online chess tournaments, which were introduced with a bang! All tournaments are a complete pack of challenges, and real money wins. Boost your skills with analysis and puzzles to develop your logical thinking ability. The app is a free platform to play, putting on the Blitz mode and competing in tournaments with 10 different difficulty levels.

The sleek graphics and smooth gameplay make it a fun option. Hundreds of chess puzzles can pile up ELO Rating and try hand at blitz arena tournaments. Start to play, compete, and grab the royal prize on the tournament leaderboard. This app is designed for both users to render everyone an equal chance to earn money. Players can bet on several tournaments and go for cash games. Amongst all the best chess apps to earn money by playing chess, you get to earn $100 – $200 per tournament.

Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Regular earning tournament with a bang
• Extensive gameplay with a glam look

Con:

• Too many ads playing in between without points

6. Chess Blitz – Chess Puzzles

Chess Blitz comes with a vast collection of chess games. Play solo or by connecting with others around the world. Consider it one of the best apps for chess, among others, for players who like to play in multiplayer mode. Get engaged in the exciting battle of two players by intriguing checkmate to put an end to the chess challenge. This is among the best chess apps for kids of all ages, and it offers plenty of challenges and opportunities to practice and improve their chess skills.

Learn from your mistakes and learn new tactics to tackle your opponents. Engage in captive gameplay by unlocking new battle arena levels to earn rewards while the game ascends. It is the perfect chess app for beginners and seasoned players who want something different from the computer-based chess game. You earn from the tournaments and leagues, ranging from $5 to $500, when you succeed consecutively.

Rating: 4.1/5

Pros:

• Completely free access to chess puzzles.
• Fast-paced gameplay to advance your tactical skills.

Con:

• Limited interaction with other players, focusing mainly on solo puzzles.

7. Big Time Chess

Big Time Chess is an exciting app that can make you win real money. Play a chess game on this platform to collect tickets and enter the frequently cast cash prize draw. It is a straightforward chess app with no in-app purchases. Compared to other best chess apps, it offers a free-to-win model to play chess and earn money.

Tournaments and matches form this best chess app’s unique, rewarding system. The app boosts your performance and sharpens your brain with practice sessions and chess skills before diving into the money game. Prove your excellence in the game to earn an income of more than $200 with every tournament. If you are a prominent player, you can easily win at least $60 with every game.

Rating: 3.9/5

Pros:

• Availability of free version for practice and ascending chess skills.
• Offer multiple game modes suitable for all playing styles.

Con:

• An entry fee is required to participate in the tournament.

Read also : Free online games that pay real money

8. Play Magnus

With Play Magnus app, you can enjoy playing chess and earn money with world chess champion Magnus Carlsen! Learn from the stories of reputed chess players about their challenges. Grandmasters are introduced to provide a fresh start and build up your chess experience. This best app for chess provides a chess coach in your pocket with hints on how to play the game more skillfully. When you commit an error and want to take back a piece, use the Magnometer tool to acknowledge right and wrong decisions.

Chess training and connecting with friends are the two mind-boggling features of chess puzzles available here. Make sure to check on your Android and iOS devices. You can earn more than $200 with specialized tournaments to lead a better lifestyle.

Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Unique experience to play against Magnus Carlsen’s virtual chess engine.
• Completely free to play with optional upgrades.

Con:

• The paid version unlocks some advanced features and challenges.

7 Best Free Chess Apps

1. Chess.com

It’s time to play chess online, with 150+ million players worldwide. Chess.com is the answer to all. It offers free unlimited 3D chess games and 350,000+ tactics chess puzzles. Enjoy 10 million games per day with interactive lessons and videos. Prove supremacy over your 100 powerful computer opponents to unlock your inner chess master.

This best chess app provides a complete free version to play chess online in 2-player mode. Meet and chat while the game unfolds in real-time, ranging from 1 minute to 30 minutes per game session. A premium subscription helps unlock extra features to encourage advancement in tactics training, in-depth analysis, and unlimited puzzles. A vibrant community has become a go-to choice for players passionate about chess.

Rating: 4.6/5

Pros:

• Extensive lessons, puzzles, and live tournaments.
• Active community with millions of players worldwide.

Con:

• Subscription to unlock premium features might be a downside for casual players.

2. Lichess

You can play and forget all the other best chess apps for Android and iOS users. Lichess is a perfect app created for chess lovers on open-source platforms to make it available for all. This is one of the best free chess apps, and it is growing steadily. It offers competitive arena tournaments for bullet, blitz, classical, and correspondence games, which suit varying playing styles. Here, you can follow and challenge players and view the game statistics on the leaderboard.

The free version of the practice session can improve your chess skills with chess puzzles. Move annotations and game summaries can help you in evaluating your action. A standalone chess clock with multiple time settings makes it a perfect app to play online and offline against computer opponents.

Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• Available in 80 languages
• Completely free chess app without any ads.

Con:

• The interface is less compatible than other best chess game apps.

3. ChessKid

ChessKid is a free chess app designed for kids, offering a safe but engaging environment for younger learners who like to play chess. This best online chess app provides interactive lessons and fun chess puzzles that can sharpen your kid’s brain and develop their chess skill. The app boasts a user interface that is easy to access for children. It serves the educational perspective with mini-courses to enhance learning. A friendly chess community is an app platform where you can compete in tournaments and take challenges from friends, making it a perfect app for social chess.

Rating: 4.4/5

Pros:

• Boost chess skills with fun puzzles and lessons
• Tailored interface and educational resources for young players.

Con:

• Lack of advanced features for experienced young players

4. SparkChess Lite

SparkChess Lite is the only chess game that prioritizes fun. This best online chess app offers options for board selection, computer opponents, and online chess play. It also offers access to experts, beginners, kids, and other players who want to discover the edge of a chess game.

SparkChess comes into the role with the practice of chess opposing opponents and computers in multiplayer mode. 30 interactive lessons and a simple user interface bring your chess skills to the test with over 70 chess puzzles. A Virtual Chess Coach explains the consequences of your moves to make you a pro.

Rating: 3.8/5

Pros:

• Levels are easy to use for all players of any age.
• Enjoy the basic features of the app  at no cost

Con:

• Lacks advanced features and a few game modes available in the full version.

5. Decode Chess

Decode Chess is an innovative approach equal to Shredder Chess, an AI-generated app. It is the best chess mobile app for learning chess as it explains chess intuitively in a natural language like a real chess coach. This best online chess app provides rich explanations and game reviews, which are exceptional features.

A chess analysis board loads games from popular platforms like Lichess and Chess.com. Moreover, AI-powered explanations are the reason behind every move and position, making everything flow. This is a chess app where computer opponents are adapted to the best players in the level while challenging. This best online chess app has advanced features to enhance chess abilities with a structured approach for beginner and seasoned players.

Pros:

• Engine analysis powered by powerful Stockfish engine
• Available in 10 different languages and user-friendly

Con:

• Advanced features and tools are available as a paid version.

6. Chess Master

Chess Master is an intellectual and stimulating board game worldwide. Strategic thinking, tactical guidance, and precise planning are key to success. Checkmate your opponent’s king and proclaim its position with the help of pieces. This chess app is designed for mobile and tablets and has an easy-to-access interface. Adaptive AI opponents can make chess more challenging on this best chess mobile app. Select the game mode for causal matches and intense tournaments according to your choice. Elevate your chess skills to great heights with this shredder chess.

Rating: 4.7/5

Pros:

• Extensive tutorials and puzzles for skill development
• Powerful chess engines and detailed game analysis

Con:

• Advanced features require purchasing.

7. iChess Puzzle

iChess Puzzle is a game of strategy, intelligence, and mental calculations. This is all about developing your mental chess skills by implementing tactical combinations on several levels. This helps in upgrading your daily practice. Battle rounds with the professional in the arena can bring out your talent. Enjoy a free version of the practice game to develop intellectual and mental abilities to solve challenges in minimum time.

Among all the best chess game apps, it has several levels and functions to counter opponent moves and functions. The automatic clock for managing playing time provides the best of all in you. The simple interface allows straightforward navigation throughout the chess puzzles and helps track progress.

Rating: 3.2/5

Pros:

• Improve tactical skills with a wide range of chess puzzles
• Easy to navigate to different levels.

Con:

• Focus on puzzles without extensive game modes.

Know about : World Chess Championship

How To Earn Money By Playing Chess?

Playing chess can be more than a hobby if you know how to play and which platform is right. Let’s look at a few ways to earn money by playing chess.

• Online Chess Tournaments: Several platforms like MPL, Chess.com, and Lichess host online tournaments to win huge. Some entry fees and other prize pools can be entirely based on a competitive level.
• Cash Games: Apps to play chess provide cash games to earn real money by competing in matches. A certain fee is levied in terms of games and substantial earnings.
• Freelancing Chess Coaching: If you are skilled in chess, you can offer your expertise via an online coaching service. Play Magnus offers coaching and tutorial sessions in the paid version.
• Participation in the Paid Puzzle and Challenges: The app offering cash rewards provides chess puzzles upon completion of the challenges. You can earn money by playing on chess apps and solving complex puzzles.

Tips To Master An Online Chess Game

Master online chess to enjoy a perfect blend of strategic thinking, practicing, and using the right resources. Let’s excel by providing some tips to master the online chess game.

• Start to Study the Opening Stories: Try to get familiar with the standard set of openings and understand the principle on which it works. This will help you solidify your base to oppose your opponent strongly in proceeding further.
• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can help you improve your chase game. Play chess regularly to learn all of the tactics and strategies involved in the game. The apps boast of playing against opponents at varying skill levels.
• Analyze Your Gameplays: First, review the games you played and acknowledge all your mistakes. Learn from the mistakes to climb the leaderboard.
• Solve Maximum Chess Puzzles: Consistently solving chess puzzles can help enhance your tactical skills. MPL online chess is an excellent option to sharpen your chess-playing abilities.
• Watch and Learn From Other Games: Try to follow Grandmaster’s gameplay by watching their educational and instructional videos. Play Magnus offers lessons and insights about top players and their game skills.

Is Earning From The Chess App Legitimate in the United States?

Several chess apps in the United States offer real-money games. Therefore, it is important to consider a few points to prove the legitimacy of the best chess apps and create a safe and secure environment for winning real money.

• Regulations and Legality: The app you select must offer cash prizes and entry fees, which are considered legal but must comply with state and federal regulations. Ensure that it is licensed and aided by governmental bodies authorized in the state.
• Platform Reputation: The chess app has a strong reputation in the market for its history, fair play, and transparent operations. Therefore, it is necessary to research and refer to the app’s reviews to confirm its authenticity.
• Tax Implications: Earn from the best chess apps concerned with state or federal taxable income. It is suggested that you report about the winnings you encounter. This is the subject of tax returns, proclaiming your earned money as legal earnings.
• Scams and Frauds: Be cautious about platforms that make unrealistic promises of offering higher potential earnings or upfront payments. Always try to verify the credibility of the best chess apps to increase engagement.

 FAQs

What is the No. 1 online chess game?

The No. 1 online chess game in the United States is Real Money Chess Prizes Skillz. This app provides substantial earning potential. However, the earnings depend upon the frequency of play, skill level, and success of high-rated tournaments. It is even reported that players have made $100,000+ in earnings from this platform. Moreover, commissions and referral bonuses add to the earnings.

How can I play chess and earn money?

To play chess and earn money, you must join cash tournaments or matches and participate in them to win money. Go for the real money chess apps, which offer cash games. Try to exercise your expertise via coaching through platforms offering training sessions. Lastly, you can monetize your content by uploading it to YouTube or Twitch, a chess-based channel. Ads, sponsorships, and donations can help you earn real money from your content.

Which chess app has the best rating?

The chess app with the best rating is Play Magnus due to its unique features and interactive session of AI-generated Magnus Carlsen. Moreover, personalized feedback and various game modes make it an impeccable choice amongst players. This is a great app to improve your chess skills with an engaging and user-friendly interface.

What is the best chess app for beginners?

ChessKid is one of the best chess apps amongst all other chess game apps for all age groups. It is designed for beginners and kids who want to learn chess and become champions. This is possible because of the easy-to-access interface, interactive lessons, and educational puzzles. It empowers you with the basics of chess in a fun and engaging way, ensuring a monitored and safe environment.

Where to find the strategies and skills of Magnus Carlsen?

Play Magnus is the best chess app where you can acknowledge Magnus Carlsen’s chess skills tailored in various levels of AI-generated nurturing the demand of different playing styles. Its interactive lessons and training sessions make it a popular choice for players desiring to learn chess and become world champions.