Best Electronic Chess Sets 2024: Top 3 Reviewed

Discover the best electronic chess sets of 2024, offering a blend of traditional gameplay and modern technology.

These top-rated sets provide a dynamic and engaging experience for both beginners and seasoned players. Our in-depth review will guide you through the best options on the market, ensuring your choice enhances both your skills and enjoyment of the game.

Here’s a structured table format for the key takeaways from your article:

CategoryDetails
RealismLook for traditional quality chessboards and pieces for a true 3D experience.
Computing PowerChoose sets with algorithms that offer challenging and adaptable gameplay.
Top Sets ReviewedDGT Centaur Chess Computer & Carrying Bag: Adapts to skill level, modern design.
iCore Electronic Chess Board Game Master Pro: Ideal for beginners, 100 tasks.
Top 1 Millennium Chess Set Board: Best for beginners, 100 modes, compact.
Editor’s ChoiceDGT Centaur Digital Electronic Chess Set: Adapts to user’s skill, modern design.
Further Reading & ResourcesMoney in Chess
Quality Chess Set Guide
Themed Chess Sets
DGT Chess Clock Review

This table captures the essential details of each chess set, highlighting their distinct features,

In a hurry?
If you don’t have much time please check the table below for quick access to our favorites. Detailed guide below.

DGT Centaur + Carrying Bag - New Revolutionary Chess Computer
  • Board Size: 17.5 x 15.8″ (444.5 x 400.5mm)
  • Square Size: 1.9″ (48 x 48mm)
  • King Height: 3 3/8” (86mm)
  • Uses a Lithium-Polymeer battery
iCore Electronic Chess Board Game Master Pro with 8 Different Games
  • Brand: ICore
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
  • Item Dimensions: 8.78 x 1.02 x 7.2 inches
Top 1 Millennium Chess Set Board
  • 4 AA battery required.
  • Item Dimensions: 12.91 x 8.86 x 1.73 inches

For those that don’t know quite where to start when purchasing an electronic chess set, we’ve put together this helpful guide that will review some of the best electronic chess sets on the market.

What to Look for in an Electronic Chess Set?

Below, we’ve put together a quick buyers guide to help you know what you should be looking for in a good quality electronic chess set, as well as what you’ll want to avoid! For more detailed information, check out our comprehensive guide on What to Look for in a Quality Chess Set.

Realism

This can be considered in two parts. Firstly, you want the actual chessboard and pieces to be traditional and of good quality.For those interested in different themes and designs, our review of the Best Themed Chess Sets might be appealing


The reason for choosing electronic chess set in the first place is usually because you want to experience playing the game in its true 3D form. Many people struggle to visualize moves and analyze the board when playing 2D chess on a computer or phone.


Therefore, the chess set of choice needs to resemble a traditional chessboard and be a good quality build to enjoy the game in a similar way as you would playing against a human.

Secondly, you want the moves and gameplay to be challenging and adaptable. Whether the system is a tiered difficulty scaling from beginner to advanced or a more adaptable system that analyzes your moves and adjusts based on how you are playing.


This will all be controlled by the computer program or AI, which is the next factor to consider.

Computing Power

An algorithm is not yet powerful or accurate enough for computers to make human error-type moves. Therefore, you will only be playing against the logic of a move based on computerized outcomes.


With this in mind, you’d want a product that can determine the difficulty and allow you to learn strategy as you play against it. Ideally, they will be pre-programmed with well-known chess moves and could even have additional functionality such as learning a player’s most used moves, etc…

Best Electronic Chess Sets


DGT Centaur Chess Computer & Carrying Bag

The DGT Centaur is a unique electronic chess set designed to be used by players of all abilities. This is primarily due to the smart technology and adaptable algorithm that enables it to match the player’s ability level, creating closely contested games that are always a challenge but still feel like you can win.

This setting can often be flawed with other computer systems as the higher levels will usually feel “impossible” to beat, which will prove frustrating for most players.

As a result, this chess set is fun above all else, and you’ll find that you can enjoy playing against the computer.

The battery life is excellent, and a single charge will last multiple games regardless of the duration, and if the game shuts off while you have a break, it will load up again at your last play for ease of resuming.

The board and pieces are lightweight and have an ultra-modern design that makes for a great-looking set.

The take-back function is an issue (as it doesn’t exist), and you can get an occasional glitch where the computer won’t recognize pieces. Still, overall, this is an intuitive and enjoyable board that does an excellent job of replacing a human with a challenging yet fun chess game.

 

  • Chess computer Centaur is a beautiful chess board that adjusts to your level of play - With bag included
  • Chess computer Centaur is a beautiful chess board that adjusts to your level of play
  • Impressive looking weighted pieces and on board lighted display within the squares themselves
  • Engage you in a fully contained, highly-tactical chess play experience
  • Whether you're a beginner, strong player, home or club player, Centaur will adjust to your level as you play
  • Board Size: 17.5 x 15.8" (444.5 x 400.5mm) Square Size: 1.9" (48 x 48mm) King Height: 3 3/8” (86mm)

 

What We Like
  • The smart algorithm adjusts its level of play depending on your initial and subsequent moves. This allows you to play against a setting that is more closely matched to your current ability. It also feels like you are playing against a human.
  • The battery life is excellent and will last multiple games on a single charge, making it ideal for travel.
  • The design is modern with a great-looking (and responsive) board and well-weighted pieces.
What Could Be Better
  • is a premium product, and therefore the price point might be a bit steep depending on your budget.
  • There is no take-back function, and the computer can occasionally glitch or fail to recognize a piece, but these are rare occurrences. 

iCore Electronic Chess Board Game Master Pro

The iCore Magnetic chess set is a great beginner option that comes with multiple features and game modes to learn the game of chess and also gradually progress.

The set features 100 pre-programmed tasks that help players learn the game while developing specific skills/tactics. It also warns players of potential mistakes and illegal moves that will accelerate their understanding of the game.

Chess aside, this set also features other popular strategy games, including Checkers and Reversi. At the same time, the magnetic board makes this an all-around excellent travel accessory and gift set for children. 

The one issue with this particular chess set is the board, pieces, and screen are too small.

The overall playing surface is around 6” x 6”, making it difficult to easily see and distinguish all of the pieces. The screen is also dimly lit and quite small as well.

For the price, though, this is definitely a valuable and useable product that has a universal appeal.

 

  • ✔ ELECTRONIC CHESS SET: Skill levels range from beginner to expert. 12 Chess Modes Plus 30 Unique Chess Levels to Choose From.100 Preset Chess Exercise Allows You to Practice Your Skills.
  • ✔ ELECTRONIC CHESS BOARD: Easier to learn chess with the iCore Chess Coach. 8 Challenging Brain Games! Chess, Checkers, Reversi, Halma, 4 in-a-row, Fox & Geese, Northcote's Game, and Nim.
  • ✔ TALKING ELECTRONIC CHESS ACADEMY: Chess Tutor! Teaching Voice System. Talks Warning of Threats to Your Pieces. Voice Announcement of Legal Moves. Test your skills with 100 pre-set exercises
  • ✔ COMPUTER GAMES: Play 2 player or against beginner to the expert computer with iCore talking chess & games computer. Electronic Chess Game that teaches you as you play. Sensory chess board and large LCD screen with adjustable contrast.
  • ✔ ELECTRONIC CHESS FOR KIDS: iCore Chess Coach innovative and fun addition to your home and game night. Board, Black and White Chess Pieces, Checkers Pieces With a Storage Case. Requires 4 AA Batteries (Not Included)
What We Like
  • The referee mode allows players to play whilst the computer will guide moves to ensure legal and logical moves are being played which is a good addition for learning the game.
  • 8 games in 1 make this a good choice for not only chess lovers but kids in general who want a variety of games.
  • The magnetic pieces make this a great portable and travel option enabling you to play the game anywhere and everywhere!
What Could Be Better
  • This is a relatively small chessboard with the pieces and screen, in particular, being noted as too small and difficult to see.

Top 1 Millennium Chess Set Board

The Top 1 Chess set is not too dissimilar from the iCore set we’ve also looked at, but in our opinion, this set offers more functionality and reviews show this to be a slightly higher rated product.

 With 100 pre-programmed chess modes, this makes for an excellent learning tool for those looking to learn basic strategy and move selection.

 
The hint mode will help you identify possibly bad moves or illegal moves so that you can learn through trial and error.

 
You’ll be able to use the programmed games for quite a long duration while learning and progressing your skills and knowledge. Still, once you reach a certain level of play, the computer becomes less challenging, so this is an electronic set best suited to beginners.

 
While this is a larger product than the iCore set, many still feel it has the same issue in that it’s slightly too small. If you need something portable and compact, it’s ideal (especially for traveling), but it could prove to be an issue for anyone without excellent eyesight.

 

  • ⚜️ FAMILY FUN GAMES: Electronic chess set to improve all of your logic skills and brush up for your next competition, Kids or Adults can Play Against. Keep the whole family entertained with this Chess Computer.
  • ⚜️ BOARD GAMES FOR KIDS: Electronic chess boards are an innovative way of learning how to play chess. chess for kids helps to educate and entertain, electronic games provide hours of a family fun time.
  • ⚜️ PROFESSIONAL GRADE & DEVELOPED: You can play against this Favorite Board Games Chess set or even use to play against another player in the real-time face to face. This is the best single-player experience out there today.
  • ⚜️ BENEFITS OF LEARNING CHESS: Logical thinking skills, Decision-making, problem-solving and understand that all behaviors have consequences. Develop your spatial perception by playing chess increases intelligence.
  • ⚜️ SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: If you don't see results within 30 days, simply return your product for a refund. Free delivery on eligible orders
What We Like
  • There’s the option to play against the computer or a friend for added versatility.
  • 100 pre-programmed modes are excellent for learning the basic moves as well as learning chess strategy. Not only is there a variety of chess games but this 8-in-1 product also comes with a range of other popular playable games.
What Could Be Better
  • The computer engine is not the strongest and therefore this game is better suited to the beginner/intermediate level and will provide little challenge for a more accomplished player.
  • While not the smallest, this chess set is still on the small side and could be difficult for some people to use.

Editors Choice

Our choice for the best electronic chess set is the DGT Centaur Digital Electronic Chess Set.

This smart chess set has an algorithm built in that allows it to adapt to a user’s skill level. It has three settings (friendly, competitive, expert), but within each level, the computer will adapt over time to ensure games are competitive and realistic for long-term enjoyment.

The design is very modern and the display, lighting, and controls are all of excellent quality. In our opinion, there are very few other models on the market that can compete with this in terms of realism of play and ease of use.

In Summary

Electronic chess sets are not exactly a new invention, but they are quickly catching up to the technology standards of other industries.


The algorithms are now much more “life-like,” meaning the computer will serve as an acceptable human substitute without feeling too robotic and competitive.


While not all the electronic sets on the market are an excellent standard or fun, those lifted in this article are what we feel are the best of the best when it comes to electronic chess sets.

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