Playing chess doesn't require a human partner with the best electronic chess boards! As technology continues to advance, so does the world of chess, with automated boards that play the game with you. With its many uses and benefits, it's surely a great addition to the home of avid chess players and competitors alike.
However, I know how tough it can be figuring out which chess board's good for you. That's why I began doing the research to help you out, so read on! I'll be showing you the five best electronic chess boards to help you make the right investment.
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Quick Comparison: Top Electronic Chess Board
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** Below, you'll find more detailed reviews, but you can click links above to see current prices and read customer's review on Amazon.
The Benefits of an Electronic Chess Board
Electronic chess boards are just like your typical chess sets, actually. The only difference is that inside your board is a computer-operated machine which allows you to play chess against it. They have built-in power to play with you, without anyone else, also coming with various helpful features to help you grow as a chess player!
But what exactly does it have to offer? Here are the reasons why you need an electronic chess board.
1. An Amazing Way to Learn

These types of chess boards have really become very popular because of how they teach you to play. You don't even need anyone with you, you can just begin playing with the computer and it can teach you clever opening moves and what to do to get out of tricky checkmates.
2. Keep Track Of Progress
Electronic chess boards have different features you can avail, including storing and remembering your games. When it does this, it helps you keep track of progress so you can go back to it and see where you can improve on. That way, you develop through looking into past games and see how well you're doing.
3. Lots Of Ways to Play
You can use these chess boards for various plays, and not just with the computer. You can play online with millions of other players who own the chessboard. Or, you can play with friends and family, if not online or from the software, and still be able to record your games.

4. Different Technological Features
There are a lot of different features that modern technology put into these boards, and it isn't just AI. Besides storing and recurring games, you can also analyze and study the board itself. You're notified of what isn't allowed, receive coaching, and even have different levels for beginners to take advantage of!
The Five Best Electric Chess Boards
Of all the different electronic chess boards tried and tested, these are the five best ones to choose from today:
1. The Square Off Chess Set

I want to start off with the Square Off Chess Set, which is the ultimate board made for beginners to advanced players. It doesn't come with extra games and the like, but it offers excellent features dedicated to improving chess skills.
I'm in love with the feel of this chess board, which offers the strong wooden pieces and sturdy board that looks built to last. As for its software, it's built with AI and comes in 20 difficulty levels to even challenge professionals! Furthermore, you can challenge other people online because they've got a platform to play with different users, giving you more versatility and fun in your game.
Pros:
- Offers automated movements and quick response
- High-quality chess pieces and board to last long
- You can connect with millions of players to compete with
- Connect with the app for beginners to learn more
Cons:
- Comes at a very expensive price
- It's a bit difficult to set up at first
2. Croove Electronic Chess and Checkers Set

Another excellent choice goes out to the Croove Electronic Chess and Checkers Set. I highly recommend the set for both children and beginners because of how easy it is to use. There are different modes and levels to choose from, along with exercises to hone your skills as you learn more about what chess is all about.
You can play against a friend or from the computer, with different styles of chess to play. Furthermore, there are seven other challenging games to play with, making it a treat for the mind. For its versatility and portability, I see this a worthy investment.
Pros:
- There are different games you can choose from
- Simply designed and small enough to bring around
- Many styles, games, levels, modes, and exercises for learning
- Great customer service for queries or replacement
Cons:
- The board may be too small for some
- Computer sometimes prolongs the game
3. iCORE Electronic Travel Magnetic Talking Chess Board

What makes the iCore one of my favorite choices is its portability and smart features. This is the best choice for beginners because it comes with a teaching voice system to let you know what's legal or which pieces are threatened. That way, you know what moves to do next, and what you shouldn't do in actual chess games.
Furthermore, you can play with different chess modes and levels, even choosing exercises to work your brain and skills. It's so simply designed but with different other games to play as well, suitable for kids and adults alike.
Pros:
- The board comes with various game options and levels
- It has a teaching voice system for beginners
- A clear LCD screen and adjustable contrast to easily view
- Unit is battery-operated and easy to bring around
Cons:
- There are no batteries included in the package
- The LCD screen may be a bit small for some
4. iCore Magnet Chess Sets

If you're looking for a multifunctional chess set, then the iCore Magnet Chess Set is a great choice. Many of iCore chess sets offer excellent features thanks to modern technology. But what I like most about them is that they come at such affordable prices.
This chess board is excellent for children or chess players who need something portable for its size. It's great to bring around when traveling, also offering the voice system to warn about your pieces. There is a significant learning curve here, and it can help exercise minds, whether beginner or professional.
Pros:
- Talking chess board to warn about threats or illegal moves
- Has other games to choose from to challenge the mind
- The readable LCD screen and easy to adjust settings
- It comes at an affordable price
Cons:
- The board's compact but smaller for big hands
- It's made better for kids than adults
5. iCore Electronic Talking Chess Computer Set

Last but not least, we have the iCore Talking Chess Computer Set. This is another iCore product I highly recommend if you're on a budget and want something for both kids and adults! What makes it different from the others is that it's a sensory chess board with magnetic pieces, so you won't have a hassle of it falling off, especially if you play in cars.
I like that it has a variety of options to choose from, may it be different chess modes, levels, and even exercises to have you learn the different chess moves. Furthermore, it's a talking computer and announces legal moves or threatened pieces!
Pros:
- Has an affordable price with great value
- Made for kids and adults at a portable size
- Easy to set up and begin using
- Many different games and modes to play with
Cons:
- Not the best quality or most durable
- Complaints of voice not working
Different Types of Electronic Chess Boards
Did you know that there are many different types of electronic chess boards and sets to use today? Here are the different ones to take note of:
1. Chess Software
Chess software doesn't prompt you to play on a physical chessboard but through your phone or computer. They can help offer strategic information and game simulations for you to play from your gadget. These are best suited for beginners on a budget, or even advanced players with modern technology used for difficult levels.
2. Chess Computers
Chess computers is a more cutting edge design compared to software, used to analyze billions of different moves in seconds. This has outstripped the typical player, making it possible for you to play on your own and are your pace. And fortunately, this doesn't affect the enjoyment or chess competitions today.
3. Electronic Chess
And finally, this is where the electronic chess board comes along, which is the optimum choice for beginners to professionals! It helps you improve your chess skills or has you kill some time enjoying chess on your own. All without having to keep your eyes glued to a screen and getting the "real" and traditional experience.
If you're wondering how exactly electronic chess boards work, here's a cool video to show you:
How to Choose the Best Electronic Chess Board
Now that you know all about the electronic chess board, how will you know which one's for you? Here are the different factors to consider when selecting the best electronic chess board according to what YOU need:
1. Durable and Reliable Construction
One disadvantage of electronic chess boards is that they don't come at cheap prices. Because of this, you'll want one that offers the durability to last for a long time!
Make sure that the computer software within the board works for years to come. The board itself should also just be as sturdy and durable to withstand falls and the like.

2. Size and Weight
The size and weight you choose depend on how you'll be using it. If you plan on traveling around with it, then you might want something smaller and lighter. However, if it's for home use, then the standard-sized board will do just fine, as long as it isn't TOO heavy to move around!
3. What's Your Skill Level?
Are you a full beginner with little to no experience in chess, or an expert in it? Consider getting a chess set that offers the software dedicated to your skill set, having a wide range of levels for you to choose from. There are even chess sets designed for children to have the learn the ropes!
4. Who Will You Play With?
Another feature you should consider getting is online portals where you can play with millions of other players. This can make the game more challenging rather than playing with a computer, and you can even join competitions! Consider chess sets that come with platforms and websites to interact with fellow chess players, offering more fun and friends along the way.
5. Other Useful Features
Other than the computer software and chessboard itself, here are some features you might want to consider:
- Rechargeable batteries to play even without an outlet
- Status indicators to keep you updated on moves
- Internal memory to store and replay games
- Advances sensor technology for a quick response
- Upgradeable features for new functions and levels
Wrapping It Up
Sometimes, we can't play chess with other people, so who do we turn to? Technology and their advanced ways of playing chess on a physical board! It feels like the real game and you won't have to use it on your mobile phone, it'll be just as if you were playing with someone in front of you!
Of all the different electronic chess boards tried and tested, the best one has to go to the Square Off Chess Set. I'm incredibly amazed at how AI really puts the effort in the automated movements, and it even moves on its own! It's really helped me learn the ropes of chess and improve my skills for competitions and the like.
Plus, you can play not just with AI, but with online with millions of other players! I get to interact and play in real time with whoever's online, giving me chess competitions in the comforts of my own home. Definitely a plus for me, making this board worth the investment.
I hope this article on the best electronic chess board helped you find the right one! So don't wait any longer and check out any of these chess boards now.
If you have any questions or want to share your own reviews on electronic chess boards, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
Chess Enthusiasts says
Square off is probably the best chess board, but a very important thing to remember is that it has to be connected to a phone. A thing to avoid if you want to cut out some screentime!