HIARCS Chess for iPad
Play, analyse, learn & improve
How much does HIARCS Chess for iPad cost?
Prices are current as of 28 Sept 2026.
HIARCS Chess for iPad has no in-app products on record in the United States.
HIARCS Chess for iPad download price by country
| Country | Price |
|---|---|
| United States | $9.99 |
| Germany | €9.99 |
| United Kingdom | £9.99 |
| Canada | CA$12.99 |
| France | €9.99 |
| Netherlands | €9.99 |
| Spain | €9.99 |
| Australia | A$14.99 |
| Switzerland | CHF 9.00 |
| Italy | €9.99 |
| Belgium | €9.99 |
| Mexico | MX$199.00 |
| Austria | €9.99 |
| Denmark | DKK 89.00 |
| Brazil | R$59.90 |
| India | ₹999.00 |
| Poland | PLN 49.99 |
| Sweden | SEK 129.00 |
| Argentina | $9.99 |
| Greece | €9.99 |
| New Zealand | NZ$19.99 |
| Singapore | SGD 14.98 |
| Japan | ¥1,500 |
| Turkey | TRY 499.99 |
| Colombia | COP 49,900 |
| Israel | ₪29.90 |
| Malaysia | MYR 49.90 |
| Norway | NOK 129.00 |
| South Africa | ZAR 199.99 |
| United Arab Emirates | AED 39.99 |
| Chile | CLP 9,990 |
| Czech Republic | CZK 249.00 |
| Finland | €9.99 |
| Hungary | HUF 4,490 |
| Indonesia | IDR 199,000 |
| Lithuania | €9.99 |
| Romania | RON 49.99 |
| Russia | RUB 899.00 |
| Slovenia | €9.99 |
| Slovakia | €9.99 |
| Ukraine | $11.99 |
| Azerbaijan | $11.99 |
| Cyprus | €9.99 |
| Estonia | €9.99 |
| Egypt | EGP 499.99 |
| Honduras | $9.99 |
| Croatia | €9.99 |
| Ireland | €9.99 |
| Kenya | $11.99 |
| Kazakhstan | KZT 5,990.00 |
| Luxembourg | €9.99 |
| Malta | €9.99 |
| Nigeria | NGN 14,900.00 |
| Nicaragua | $9.99 |
| Peru | PEN 44.90 |
| Philippines | ₱599.00 |
| Portugal | €9.99 |
| Afghanistan | $9.99 |
| Antigua And Barbuda | $9.99 |
| Anguilla | $9.99 |
| Albania | $11.99 |
| Armenia | $11.99 |
| Angola | $9.99 |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | €9.99 |
| Barbados | $11.99 |
| Burkina Faso | $9.99 |
| Bulgaria | €9.99 |
| Bahrain | $9.99 |
| Benin | $11.99 |
| Bermuda | $9.99 |
| Brunei Darussalam | $9.99 |
| Bolivia | $9.99 |
| Bahamas | $9.99 |
| Bhutan | $9.99 |
| Botswana | $9.99 |
| Belarus | $11.99 |
| Belize | $9.99 |
| Congo, Democratic Republic | $9.99 |
| Congo | $11.99 |
| Cote Divoire | $11.99 |
| Cameroon | $11.99 |
| Costa Rica | $9.99 |
| Cape Verde | $9.99 |
| Dominica | $9.99 |
| Dominican Republic | $9.99 |
| Algeria | $9.99 |
| Ecuador | $9.99 |
| Fiji | $9.99 |
| Micronesia | $9.99 |
| Gabon | $9.99 |
| Grenada | $9.99 |
| Georgia | $11.99 |
| Ghana | $11.99 |
| Gambia | $9.99 |
| Guatemala | $9.99 |
| Guinea-bissau | $9.99 |
| Guyana | $9.99 |
| Hong Kong | HK$88.00 |
| Iraq | $9.99 |
| Iceland | $11.99 |
| Jamaica | $9.99 |
| Jordan | $9.99 |
| Kyrgyzstan | $9.99 |
| Cambodia | $9.99 |
| St. Kitts and Nevis | $9.99 |
| South Korea | ₩17,000 |
| Kuwait | $9.99 |
| Cayman Islands | $9.99 |
| Lao Peoples Democratic Republic | $9.99 |
| Lebanon | $9.99 |
| St. Lucia | $9.99 |
| Sri Lanka | $9.99 |
| Liberia | $9.99 |
| Latvia | €9.99 |
| Libya | $9.99 |
| Morocco | $11.99 |
| Moldova | $11.99 |
| Montenegro | €9.99 |
| Madagascar | $9.99 |
| Macedonia | $9.99 |
| Mali | $9.99 |
| Myanmar | $9.99 |
| Mongolia | $9.99 |
| Macao | $9.99 |
| Mauritania | $9.99 |
| Montserrat | $9.99 |
| Mauritius | $11.99 |
| Maldives | $9.99 |
| Malawi | $9.99 |
| Mozambique | $9.99 |
| Namibia | $9.99 |
| Niger | $9.99 |
| Nepal | $11.99 |
| Nauru | $9.99 |
| Oman | $9.99 |
| Panama | $9.99 |
| Papua New Guinea | $9.99 |
| Pakistan | PKR 2,900 |
| Palau | $9.99 |
| Paraguay | $9.99 |
| Qatar | QAR 39.99 |
| Serbia | €9.99 |
| Rwanda | $9.99 |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR 39.99 |
| Solomon Islands | $9.99 |
| Seychelles | $9.99 |
| Sierra Leone | $9.99 |
| Senegal | $11.99 |
| Suriname | $9.99 |
| Sao Tome & Principe | $9.99 |
| El Salvador | $9.99 |
| Swaziland | $9.99 |
| Turks and Caicos | $9.99 |
| Chad | $9.99 |
| Thailand | THB 399.00 |
| Tajikistan | $9.99 |
| Turkmenistan | $9.99 |
| Tunisia | $9.99 |
| Tonga | $9.99 |
| Trinidad and Tobago | $9.99 |
| Taiwan | NT$320.00 |
| Tanzania | TZS 29,900.00 |
| Uganda | $11.99 |
| Uruguay | $9.99 |
| Uzbekistan | $9.99 |
| St. Vincent & The Grenadines | $9.99 |
| Venezuela | $9.99 |
| British Virgin Islands | $9.99 |
| Vietnam | ₫299,000 |
| Vanuatu | $9.99 |
| Kosovo | €9.99 |
| Yemen | $9.99 |
| Zambia | $11.99 |
| Zimbabwe | $11.99 |
10+ alternatives to HIARCS Chess for iPad
| HIARCS Chess for iPad |   Chess Tiger Pro |   Chess Pro with Coach |  Shredder Chess for iPad |   Chess Score Pad |   Chess Opener PRO |   ChessBase Mobile Chess |   Chess Opener Lite |   ChessLink App |   Openings Mastermind |   Elite Chess Database | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating / 5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Reviews | 681 | 59K | 7.9K | 273 | 238 | 229 | 91 | 57 | 34 | 22 | 5 |
| Released | 2011 | 2011 | 2012 | 2010 | 2012 | 2020 | 2025 | 2020 | 2021 | 2023 | 2024 |
| One-time price | — | $4.99 | $9.99 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
The going rate for each plan in United States, in its own currency, shaded from the cheapest price on the row to the dearest.
HIARCS Chess for iPad reviews
4.7 out of 5, based on 681 reviews.
What people like
- Engine feels like a real human.
- No subscription or ads needed.
- Great for learning chess tactics.
What they complain about
- Interface looks old and ugly.
- Crashes after iOS updates.
- Annoyingly asks for ratings constantly.
Great Program
Millennium Board Compatible !!
There is still no FEN Import/Paste function.
It would be great to have a FEN clipboard/email import function. Back <~> Forward buttons to navigate already open PGN.
Super app
En cours de test mais dès maintenant on peut se réjouir du contenu de l’app sur IPAD. Il ne manque que la version en français et dès qu’elle vient je rajoute une étoile
OK, when it works
This app crashes and freezes constantly. When it works it’s good. It doesn’t work most of the time...
Decisamente da migliorare
Il programma più’ piacevole con cui ho giocato finora. Purtroppo è successo nel bel mezzo di una partita che il programma ha terminato l’ esecuzione. Meritera’ 5 stelle quando questi problemi verranno risolti.
The Perfect Chess Opponent
I love the quality and visual design, the ease of changing settings and saving games, the intelligence.
13.8.6 update
Prior version worked great with my millennium eOne, update does not. Tried to play a game as black and the a1 and a8 rooks started blinking after connecting with bluetooth. Lucky thet I still have the prior version on my other ipad.
Excellent avec Millennium zone
Quelques bug de détection des mouvements de pièce
Da migliorare
Va migliorata la funzione del gioco a tempo. A volte si blocca nella riflessione e quando finisce il tempo non assegna la vittoria e la sconfitta. Mi aspettavo decisamente di più.
Not For The Handicapped (Hearing and Visual)
Sound - even at the Loud setting is ANEMIC, like a chirp on my iPad Pro at its loudest setting! My hearing loss finds me glance at the TERRIBLY LOCATED CLOCKS! The clocks cannot be located in a worse position. Far apart and small sizes too! Did it move? I often find myself looking at its clock to determine that it moved! It cannot be much worse in both moving and signaling its last move! The best chess apps show an arrow between from/to squares, no hesitation in guessing the last chess app’s move. If you have hearing and/or vision difficulties AVOID HIARCS (I have both handicaps). They forgot about the handicapped!
Great Teaching tool
Enjoy not have to be linked to the internet. Unlike Webb based game platforms. Very tough to beat, but a learning experience. I have the latest versions of Chessbase and Fritz, and this is comparable to them.
👎👎👎👎👎
The free version is too expensive. You can't even play against anyone.
Great app
Probably one of the best chess app for iPad with a real human feel! I would give it a 5 stars but... 1) Stop clock button does not stop the game clock 2) Previous comments by other reviewers (like Robert Ryan) on text being superimposed on top of each other on the screen has not been corrected Hope next iteration will fix these shortcomings.
Good game; weak UX
The UI of this app is not very elegant: 1. Inconsistent font usage. Most of the app is using a sans-serif font, but the names of the players in a serif font, and the opening book is in a courier fixed width font. 2. The board should be bigger. When playing a game, the priority is an immersive playing experience and the board should be as big as possible. But there is unnecessary wasted space here. It strikes me that when playing a game, the screen should be optimized for (a) board; (b) clocks; and (c) move list. Sure, resize these smaller if you turn on/off other features, but you should be able to make the game itself the dominant feature. Move the game controls aside. Let us remove the ELO rating views entirely. Minimize the chrome and focus on the game experience. 3. When you hide the opening book list, the game moves list should take up the whole screen, but it doesn't, and the little slider that lets you zip through the game quickly is sitting there, floating in the middle of the screen. Frankly, I'd suggest losing that slider altogether and let us click on the moves themselves. 4. The pop-up menus in the bottom are strange UX. First, that bottom row is a strange place to be showing menus at all. Second, if you click on one menu to show its popover and then try to click on another, the clicks on this bottom bar aren't recognized. This is especially poor UX because you frequently are searching for some menu option, not knowing which menu some feature is on, you'll click on one menu, not see it there, go to click on the next menu, and your tap isn't recognized. You have to tap somewhere to dismiss first popover menu before you can open another popover menu. Also, the presence of titles at the top of the popover menus is a very poor UI choice. 5. Elements are not always updated correctly. For example, I have my engine set at a particular ELO, but it says "2060" for the ELO on the screen. Likewise I had turned off "show captured material" feature, but when I started the app, it showed up again, only disappearing when I started a new game. There are tons of other issues in this UI, too. But let me say that, bottom line, I respect the game engine, but this app desperately needs a UI overhaul. In terms of core functionality, I was hoping that this would capture variations like the desktop app can. E.g. if I go back a few moves and try a different move, I'd like the option of keeping the old line as a variation.
Needs improvement
Not as intuitive to use as some. GUI pretty lame. Can't adjust or turn off audio. Not clear how opening book upgrade is installed in ios, but Apple shares blame for that. No reason to pay 9.99 to get pro version.
One of the best chess apps available
I’ve been using HIARCS for many years now, and I have long considered it one of the very best chess apps I’ve ever used. This HD version for my iPad is exceptional! It has all the great features I’ve used for years, plus it looks great on my iPad’s screen. Well done as always!
السعودية
هذا البرنامج لا يعمل dont buy it
Good Chess engine
I think HIARCS lives up to expectations. It’s not the strongest engine, but that’s not what I wanted. HIARCS plays chess good enough so I have a sparring partner to practice chess with. One thing I like is that at my low rating level, the game feels pretty much like a human player. What do I mean by that? It doesn’t seem to make moves that are so blatantly bad that you are screaming at the engine, “why didn’t you take the piece I left hanging on accident?” HIARCS will make more subtle weak moves is my guess. If you hang a pawn or piece HIARCS will take it in my experience. Anyway if you want a decent chess partner for you iPad and that goes nicely and plays as consistent as the Mac version then this is probably worth the money you pay. One piece of advice if you’re planning to purchase this and the desktop version I’d recommend buying this first? Mine came with a discount off the HIARCS Chess Explorer and it stung a little when I found out I missed on a discount.
beginner level deficient
it is
Excellent engine but poor GUI
The engine is excellent and is a good sparring partner. However, the GUI implementation looks like something designed using MS FrontPage around the turn of the century. The chess clock settings are limited. If looking for the best GUI and ability to analyze games played, check out Chess Pro (Chess Tiger engine) Christophe Theron that is a weaker engine but strong enough and a much better overall chess app.
Best Chess App for iOS
Great, simple, adjustable, customizable, no-subscription, no gimmicks or frills chess game. Never found a better chess game for iOS.
Not working with iOS 8.0.2
Stopped working with iOS 8.0.2.
Missing one functionality
This app is very close to satisfy my needs except for one missing functionality. There are a million chess apps in App Store now but none of them is willing to be a pure and real chessboard. That is, I need a PUZZLE SOLVING MODE with NO moves and arrows shown. No hint and AI engine coaching available. This will force the learner to solve the puzzles. This is what I need.
Expensive, Outdated and Confusing UI
This app is expensive and perhaps the cost is due to the strong Chess Engine, but the UI is outdated, feels like a Windows XP UI dropped on an iPad, and on top of that it's confusing to navigate. The only redemption here is the $10 off code for the desktop application which also could use a UI refresh for Mavericks but has a lot of really nice features, and great videos explaining those features. I write this in hopes of encouraging the Hiarcs team to invest into the UI as the competition in this space is fierce.
Decent
This engine whilst powerful, is not what it bragged to be, I have pitted several hand held chess engines against it. It is very powerful, but not the most. Smallfish (stock fish) is in fact the most powerful handled chess engine. And yes I use devices of the same power (iPad Air vs iPad Air) and switch them around, hiarcs has never beaten smallfish, only tied it. Interface is a bit messy and outdated, not the best looking chess app. However the realism of the engine is indeed true. Very human-like mistakes. Great learning tool. Idk if it was worth the $, but a good chess app nevertheless.
Amazing program
As a kid starting with Chessmaster, I started playing chess with my father, eager to get better. I started playing chess master as I got older. I couldn’t find a program to play chess like I used to until I came across this one and old man. This one is amazing because it has the chess rating system and adaption mode which keeps up with your chess rating you’re able to win, 50-50, and get better and better. This one gets five stars and possibly the best chess program on the iPad.
Broken on iOS8
Just downloaded on iPad running iOS8. Broken. Would like to review it properly but I have just wasted my money.
Bon jeu
À quand une mise à jour ?
Regular para un aficionado
Probablemente para un jugador de élite sea un módulo fantástico y muy potente, pero para un aficionado hay mejores alternativas (y más baratas). El ajuste automático del nivel es regular y el entrenador desastroso. El libro de aperturas es fantástico, lo mejor. Si costase un poco menos le daría tres estrellas.
Hiarcs
Le programme est assez bon, les options sont intéressantes.
Hiarcs
Superb program!
Werkt niet met iOS8 !!
Was goed programma maar na installatie IOS 8 klopt beeld van schaakbord niet meer.. Update nodig..
Great app, crazy opening book
I'd like this app more if it had a more conventional opening book. Odd ball openings are ok once in a while, but not all the time.
Great App but doesn't work in iOS8
I've been using this app for a while and it's great but has not worked since the ios8 update. Everyday I check to see if there's a fix. When the issues have been resolved, this will get 5 stars.
Grafica pessima
Ottimo programma, peccato che la grafica sia orribile per un programma di questo genere. Tra le più brutte mai viste. Per favore cambiatela e rendetela decente! Tre stelle per colpa della grafica.
Very good!
This is a very good chess program for both beginners and advanced players.
iOS 8 fail
This app is glitched up and unusable with iOS 8. Waste of money program broke as soon as I updated to iOS8. It was so good for the few months I had it before the update, but now, it's bricked.
Great engine, dated UI
I have a number of chess apps and HIARCS is my favorite to play against. It plays "human" moves at lower levels instead of making major blunders and then playing at full strength. Unfortunately the interface is dated and rather ugly, but still functional.
Texte trop petit pour lecture
Premier retour, l'interface est à améliorer pour faciliter la lecture du texte : augmenter la taille des caractères, utiliser une police plus ronde, et constrastėe.... Quitte à diminuer un peu la taille de l'échiquier afin de permettre une meilleure visibilité et lisibilité
Hiarc
Très bon mais souvent battue par de très bon joueur à améliorer Moi même je le bas il n'est pas assez fort pour moi donc je ne peux pas m'entraîner Améliorer le pour qu'il soit imbattable bon pour des joueurs amateur mais pas des pro Et améliorer l'interface ou on doit voir les lettre et chiffre Pas bon pour le blitz et il ne joue pas a 2900 élo beaucoup du travail encore Essayer de le mettre au niveau de deep hiarc pas assez fort très souvent battue on ne peux plus progresser Et oui je l'ai encore archi battue ,améliorer la bibliothèque d'ouverture et sa puissance normalement il devrait battre n'importe qui Ce qui n'est pas le cas au travail messieurs
Great chess program
Some times hangs up but mostly it’s right on point playing the right ELO I’m 2300 and it’s like playing a real person. I really like you can go back and look at a variation in the game and play that out. When I let the computer play full strength it plays 2800 and kicks my &*&&. I really think it’s strongest in the end game at that point. I would Really wish they would dress up the game with new graphics pieces and 3D but I understand they just want to make money. It’s always about them making money. I’ll keep looking for another chess program but for now this works for me.
Lovely app once you get started
This isn't the kind of app which is immediately obvious how to use straight up. There's a slight learning curve. Once you're past this it's a lot of fun. You can play it at an easy level which suits me; but you have to fiddle with the settings a bit to get this to happen. This app is lovely to use. Enjoy!
Hiarcs HD
Necesita seguir mejorando. Falta la posibilidad de ver variantes y textos en los archivos pgn y mejoras gráficas para iPad retina.
Great program
Excellent chess program! Only problem is, I had already written this review some time back and the program continually asks me to rate it! Aaaarrrggghhh!
Excellent
Best Chess app yet! Well Done. One problem P.S stop busting my chops. Asking for a rate after EVERY SINGLE GAME. PLEASE BACK OFF
The best chess program on the App Store
The only problem is that it's so expensive
HIARCS Chess for iPad FAQ
- Is HIARCS Chess for iPad free?
- No. HIARCS Chess for iPad costs $9.99 (US) to download.
- Does HIARCS Chess for iPad have a free trial?
- No. None of its offers (US) come with a free trial.
- What are the best alternatives to HIARCS Chess for iPad?
- Chess Tiger Pro (4.8 from 59,467 reviews, premium from $4.99), Chess Pro with Coach (4.7 from 7,863 reviews, premium from $9.99) and Shredder Chess for iPad (4.4 from 273 reviews).
HIARCS Chess for iPad download
Last updated 26 days ago.
HIARCS Chess for iPad sells in 174 countries. It was released 15 years ago, on 12 Sept 2011. It holds a 4.7 rating from 681 reviews.
Supports 2 languages: English, German.
How much does HIARCS Chess for iPad make?
Third-party estimates for the last 30 days, worldwide — not the store's own figures, which Apple publishes for nobody.