4 Best Cross-Platform Chess Apps to Play Chess on Any Device
Overcome platform restriction to play chess with friends on any device
6 min. read
Updated on
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
Key notes
- The best cross-platform chess game apps allow you to overcome device restrictions to play with your friends.
- Some of these games are available on PC and mobile devices, with little to no difference in gameplay.
- If you are a beginner, there are multi-level chess games with tutorials to help you speed up learning.
Nothing beats the fun of a game of chess with a friend. Unfortunately, most regular chess apps are designed to run on specific devices.
This implies that if you, for example, have an iPad and your pal owns a laptop, you’re not likely to play unless you spend money on an equivalent device. And this is where cross-platform chess apps come in.
These apps support iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and various browsers, and your game will work regardless if you’re on mobile or a Mac and your pal is on a PC.
So, which is the very best cross-platform chess app? These apps differ in levels (beginner/average/expert), analysis models, user interface, responsiveness, and more.
Check our recommendations on the best cross-platform chess app below.
Can you play chess cross-platform?
Yes, a series of apps allow you to play chess across different platforms with your friends. Some of these apps are available on PC and mobile, and each player’s device doesn’t matter.
Also, there are browser chess games that you can play cross-platform online. So, there are many options available to you.
Quick Tip:
Consider playing Chess on a dedicated browser for gaming like Opera GX. It’s built to support lag-free sessions and allows you to download new games from the GX Corner.
With this browser you’ll be able to load and play games even on lower-end PCs, thanks to its RAM, CPU, and bandwidth limiter options.
Opera GX
Focus on winning with this fast and gaming-optimized browser!What are the best cross-platform chess apps?
Mobialia Chess – Multi-level cross-platform app
The Mobile Chess app is available for Kindle, Android, and HTML5 (for playing on your desktop browser) and is among the leaders in the pack, thanks to its immense possibilities.
You can test your mettle against AI, and you will have different selectable ELO Levels to pick from as you go from strength to strength.
Even the time per move is selectable to help you choose more difficulty levels.
The Opening book comes with more than 30.000 different positions ensuring you always enjoy varied, funny games.
Also, the simple PGN browser gives you numerous options, including allowing you to open your PGN files from an SD card (or email).
And by the way, you can send your PGNs to email to help you deeply analyze your games later on your PC. Regarding game analysis, Mobialia supports a couple of easier-to-use UCI(Universal Chess Interface) chess engines.
Lastly, the app interface is clean, straightforward, and intuitive, not to mention that you can choose a 2D/3D board depending on your preferences.
Chess Time – Different themes and game set
Chess Time is one of the best free multiplayer cross-platform chess apps that allows you to battle it out with real people on Windows, iOS, and Android. Just log in and engage players from the UK, Germany, USA, and more for an early morning match!
You can even tag your favorite opponents to cheer you up as you take on the top-rated challengers from different countries. When we come to the game, the program, for many, the best cross-platform chess app, has enormous alternatives.
To start with, players can choose their favorite chess themes and sets. Then, as I had mentioned, all your rivals are human, and you have players on standby every minute!
Furthermore, you can train against tougher opponents by opening an unrated game, as you are warming up for the next match.
Still, conveniently, it calculates each player’s ELO ratings automatically, so you’re updated about how you’re faring.
The analysis tool is very detailed; you can export your games as PGN and/or screenshots for further review.
⇒ Download Chess Time app (Windows) or Android or iPhone
Chess Free – Best free cross-platform chess app
Chess Free is widely regarded as the best free chess gaming app on various platforms.
Whether you’re a beginner taking baby steps toward becoming the next grandmaster or a veteran seeking to up their game, the Chess free app has covered you.
For starters (Casual mode), the powerful class tutor will help you quickly learn how to craft winning chess strategies and build your chess skills.
Plus, you can progress at your own pace from the novice to expert levels (12 play levels in total).
Also, you won’t feel overwhelmed as the application deliberately weakens its intelligence (at the entry levels) to ensure you are also scoring.
At the master level (Pro mode), the app deduces your ELO rating according to your results against the computer. You can even steal a march on the CPU by clicking Show CPU thinking to learn the machine’s next move!
All your chess stats are accessible online (via your Google+ account), and you can invite your friends for an online tussle.
Pure Chess – Game with stunning visuals
Pure chess is one of the few old board games to have remained at the top largely due to its ability to keep up with emerging gaming technologies.
A fully-fledged Grandmaster designed it, so if you harbor dreams of becoming a legend in your own right, then you’re in the right hands here.
The program packs breathtaking visuals, appealing chess pieces, step-by-step tutorials, and a phenomenal multiplayer environment.
Above all, you can play from practically any device/operating system: Steam, Wii U, iPhone, iPod touch, Nintendo 3DSâ„¢, iPad, and Android devices.
And against anyone you desire from the leaderboards worldwide.
The three trial tournaments and the 100 tough chess puzzles for training should help you upgrade your tactics play.
In a nutshell, Pure Chess could be the best cross-platform chess app. for upcoming champions.
How can I play chess with my friends remotely?
Playing chess remotely with your friends is easier now than ever. You can choose any of the cross-platform chess apps listed in this guide for a friendly competition.
Also, you can play browser chess games with your friends online. Lastly, there are also platform-based chess games to download.
The thrills of playing chess with friends exceed any excitement that comes with playing with an AI. With the apps listed in this guide, you can no more be limited by platform differences when you want to play chess with your pals.
Tip
Do you need a list of the best browser games to play with your friends? Then, check our article on the topic for carefully selected options to try today.
Feel free to let us know the chess app that piques your interest in the comments below.
User forum
0 messages