Electronic chessboards have exploded in popularity. More players want real boards that sync with their online games. Chessnut saw that demand early, and delivered.
If you’re thinking about buying one of their boards, this guide will help you decide which suits you best.
Why Are Chessnut Boards Getting So Popular?
Smartboards used to be bulky, clunky, and difficult to connect. Then came Chessnut.
This company entered the scene, offering sleek and responsive electronic boards. They’re compatible with top platforms like Chess.com, Lichess, and ChessBase.
Whether you’re a beginner who wants real pieces or a coach reviewing positions with students, there’s a Chessnut board for you.
Their boards are also beautifully designed. Real wood, strong magnets, and touch sensors make playing on a Chessnut board feel natural, but with a digital edge.
Now, let’s look at their top models and what makes each one unique.
Chessnut Air: The Lightweight Favorite
The Chessnut Air is the dream electronic board for players who appreciate portability. It is compact, portable, and the most affordable in the Chessnut line.
The Chessnut Air is the company’s most popular board and for good reason. It fits easily into a backpack and works seamlessly with smartphones, tablets, and computers.
It’s perfect for those who travel, work in cafés, or study in libraries.
Key Features
- Real wooden board.
- Rechargeable battery with 10+ hours of use.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support.
- Compatible with Chess.com, Lichess, and Chessnut App.
- LED indicators for move guidance and error prevention.
It comes with a carrying bag, a complete set of weighted pieces, and a USB-C charging cable.
You can connect it to your favorite chess app, and your physical moves instantly reflect on the screen.
Downsides
- Not tournament-sized.
- The small square size may not appeal to everyone.
Who It’s For
Players on the go. Kids, students, casuals, and streamers who want something compact.
Price: $224.99
Chessnut Pro: Built for Serious Players
The Chessnut Pro
The Chessnut Pro is the company’s flagship board. It’s a full tournament size with premium features.
If you want a board that feels like classical tournament gear but integrates with all your tech, this is the one.
Key Features
- Full-size tournament-ready board.
- Real wood that’s beautifully finished.
- Fast sensor response that detects moves instantly.
- Rechargeable with long battery life.
- Supports cloud PGN saving, engine analysis, and training tools.
- High-quality wooden chess pieces
This board shines in tournament prep, coaching sessions, or streaming serious games. It feels solid and high-end.
Downsides
- Less portable than the Air.
- Higher price point.
Who It’s For
Competitive players, chess coaches, and content creators who want pro-grade performance.
Price: $699.99
Chessnut Evo: The All-in-One Experience
This is Chessnut’s newest release and, by far, its most advanced. The Chessnut Evo builds on everything that worked in earlier models, taking them to the next level.
Built-in screen? Check. Multi-color LEDs? Check. It feels futuristic.
Key Features
- Strong battery life that lasts up to 10 hours
- AI assistant and customizable time controls.
- USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Fully compatible with Chess.com, Lichess, and Chessnut Cloud.
- It runs on Android 11 and includes a dedicated OS by Chessnut.
- Software updates add features over time.
- Coach Mode provides analysis and suggestions for moves.
You can analyze games without a second device. You can even run training puzzles straight from the board.
Downsides
- Might be too advanced for beginners.
Who It’s For
Tech lovers, streamers, and players who want it all in one box.
Price: $629.99
How to Choose the Right Chessnut Board
Still unsure on how to pick the right Chessnut board? Here’s how to narrow it down:
- Budget-focused? Go for the Chessnut Air. It also comes with mobility and ease. If you’re a person that moves around a lot and want to keep a handy smart board with you, this is the one.
- Want a true tournament feel? Pick the Chessnut Pro. It gives you that size, feel and function that transports you to a real tournament experience.
- Love gadgets and smart features? Are you are a Jimmy Neutron-type chess player? Then you have to try the Chessnut Evo. It comes with a ton of smart features that will take your chess experience to the next level.
Chessnut App Integration and Platform Support
All Chessnut boards support:
- Lichess and Chess.com online play.
- Game review and cloud storage via Chessnut Cloud.
- Local PGN export for deeper analysis in ChessBase or other engines.
- Their app also lets you toggle settings, play engines, run drills, or sync your games across devices.
- Updates roll out regularly, and the support team is active on forums and Discord.
Final Thoughts
No matter your choice, you’re getting a board that blends craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech. Chessnut has built something more than just a gadget. It’s a bridge between digital and real-world chess, and it’s here to stay.