For a lot of players who are not financially buoyant, the expensive cost of chess sets might be a bother. Another dilemma is the challenge which lies in finding a high-quality chess set at an affordable price without compromising on quality.
For instance, chess sets made of ceramic, metal, or glass are intricately designed with high-quality materials, resulting in higher prices that may not fit within budget limitations.
The ideal choice in this case would be chess sets made from plastic, silicone, vinyl, mousepads, and even wood, since you can always find a good deal on those.
In this article, we will look at ten cheapest chess sets you can purchase today.
Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
The Chess Armory Magnetic Wooden Chess Set remains a clear-budget chess set for both casual and professional players. Featuring a 3-inch tall king size and a board made from maple and walnut wood, it is affordable and promises a smooth playing experience. That it is foldable is another reason I like this board. Portability is not an issue, and storing the pieces has never been easier since you can keep them inside the board itself. The magnets in the board secure each piece in place, even in windy conditions or during outdoor play.
Key features
- Extra Queen: This is very useful for the promotion of pawns.
- Durable build: The wooden materials of the board mean the quality isn’t questionable, and this ensures that it will last with long-term use.
- Portability and ease of storage: since you can keep all the magnetic chessmen inside the interiors of the board, you won’t have a headache with storage since it is foldable. This makes the board a portable one overall.
- Ideal for both casual players and professionals: It works well for any level of player. Admittedly, it is not suited for tournament play, but it will handle any other situations you throw at it.
AMEROUS 15-Inch Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
The AMEROUS 15-inch Magnetic Wooden Chess Set is another good pick in terms of budget chess sets. Measuring 15 inches by 15 inches by 0.98 inches, this set comes with a King height size of 3.0 inches. This means it fits on most tabletops and is ideal for playing quick games outdoors.
The magnetic feature is a plus, meaning the pieces stay firmly fixed and won’t wobble while playing.
Another plus of this board is that the fold hinge is not as obvious compared to other boards within this price range, giving it a professional feel.
Key features
- Aesthetic Appeal: You can set up the board as a decor piece for your room. The wooden pieces shine brightly and always look elegant.
- Quality wood: the wood grain texture of the board maintains the elegance that one expects from wooden boards. It is sturdy, durable, and will not be easily damaged.
Overall, this set is a great buy, especially if you intend to gift it.
Best Chess Set Ever 1x Travel
The Best Chess Set Ever combines the best chess equipment in the chess world into one complete set. With 32 Staunton-style chess pieces coupled with a silicone board that has algebraic notations, it is a complete package. A 32-page booklet is included in the package as an add-on for those who want to take their chess a step further. The pieces are single-weighted, with padding on the bottom of the chessmen for added stability and control. It features a king height of 3 inches, with the queen being taller.
Since the 15-inch board is made from silicone, it is spill-resistant, washable, foldable, and easy to pack. This chess set is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Key features
- Durable Silicone Board: these are common for their ease of use and maintenance, durability, and portability. It can endure years of serious or casual use.
- Compact size: The 15 × 15 size is ideal for most tables and surfaces, especially for players mostly on the go.
- No extra queens.
The Queens Gambit Tournament Chess Set
The Queens Gambit Tournament Chess Set is designed specifically to be an entry-level board, this chess set offers a premium level of quality for the cost of purchase. It combines wooden chessmen on a wooden board and also features a Staunton piece design..
The pieces are the tournament 3.75-inch king height, making them a joy to play with in tournaments.
Key features
- Durable: It is a very durable set and will last for long-term use.
- Weight: The weight is light and balanced, making it easy to move the pieces across the board.
- Extra Queen: The set includes two extra queens, making the promotion of pawns easier.
US Chess Quiver Chess Set Combo (Green)
The US Chess Quiver Chess Set Combo is an official chess set of the United States Chess Federation, even bearing their logo on the board. The set is specifically designed for club and tournament players and includes a combination of single-weighted plastic chess pieces, a USCF-branded vinyl chess mat, and a Quiver chess bag. The board measures 20 × 20 inches with a 2.25-inch square and is algebraically labeled, making it easy to read and record moves. Similarly, the single-weighted regulation plastic chess pieces have the traditional Staunton pattern with a 3.75 king and a 1.5-inch base diameter. Two extra queens are also included for promotions.
The Quiver bag is 21 inches by 6 inches in size and is large enough to even include extra accessories like clocks. The adjustable shoulder pad is also a welcome inclusion.
Overall, it is another budget chess set that delivers on its purchase value.
Key features
- Extra Queen: This is handy for the promotion of pawns.
- Durable build: The vinyl board is durable and easy to wash and maintain. Similarly, both the quiver bag and plastic chess pieces are of great build quality.
- Portability and easy to carry around: The combination of accessories, especially the quiver bag, makes it easy to carry the set for tournament or outdoor use.
- Designed for both professional and club use: This set is designed for chess tournaments and complies with all USCF regulations.
WE Games Tournament Chess Set
The WE Games Tournament Chess Set remains another top choice for chess players looking for a cheap and affordable chess board. It is convenient to use, portable and is portable. Using it outdoors is a breeze. The WE Games Tournament Chess Set features a silicone board alongside plastic chess pieces.
Key Features
- Durability: The plastic build makes it a sturdy chess set and drops, strain and spills wouldn’t be something to worry about
- Tournament ready: With a Staunton design, the chess set can be used in tournaments and professional play.
- Not a decor board: For anyone seeking something to decorate the home with, a wooden option is a better choice.
Wholesale Chess Silicone Chess Set
The Wholesale Chess Silicone Set has a unique perk of featuring a drawstring bag for easy carriage alongside a silicone chess piece and silicone chess board. Because of the build material, it is easy to fold, roll and carry the board with ease without creasing.
Spotting a 3.5” standard king alongside an extra queen, the silicone chess board is 2.25” wide and the pieces have the tournament ready Staunton piece designs which makes it ideal for both outdoor and indoor play especially in tournament halls.
Key Features
- Durable and sturdy build: The silicone material makes it waterproof, spill-resistant, and doesn’t crease when folded. This makes it one of the top choices especially for kids and tournament halls.
- Perfect Tournament Size: The board is a standard tournament size with a 3.5-inch king. The set has 34 complete pieces, with two additional queens for promotions.
- Not a decor board: Like other plastic boards in this article, it lacks the aesthetic and decor appeal.
FanVince Magnetic Folding Chess Board
The FanVince Magnetic Folding Board is uniquely compact and easy to carry featuring a foldable build in which all the chess pieces fit. The set is suited to kids and adults who move around a lot as it’s easy to transport. In addition, the piece design features the typical Staunton design that a lot of players have grown used to. Measuring with a king size at 1.74” and a board width of 9.45” × 9.45” when not folded, it is one of the smaller chess board options.
The set offers one of the best value for money when compared to other options in this list.
Key Features
- Durable Build– With high grade material, this makes it a great chess set for adults and kids and ensures it can withstand years of active play without damage.
- Easy to Carry: It is easy to store this chess set when not in use. The foldable nature makes it unique and the pieces can be stowed inside the board.
Shine Magnetic Chess Board Set
The Shine Magnetic Chess Board Set measures at 32 by 32 by 2 cm in dimension and features a plastic build. It is lightweight and portable and the Case also holds the pieces inside. The plastic build makes it very possible and the piece themself contains small magnets which makes losing them more difficult.
Key features
- Foldable: The unique feature of this chess set is how practical it is for daily use. It is foldable and easy to carry around.
- Durable: The plastic chassis ensures that spills and dirt isn’t an issue. Long-term usage is also guaranteed with the plastic material.
Juegoal 20″ Portable Chess & Checkers Set
The Juegoal Travel Chess & Checkers Set is a versatile, tournament-ready combo designed for both casual play and official use. The board measures 20 inches with 2.25-inch squares and features algebraic coordinates along the edges for recording moves. It includes 32 standard chess pieces, 24 checker pieces, plus 2 extra queens and checkers for promotions. Everything fits neatly into a soft carry bag, making it perfect for travel, school, clubs, or outdoor play.
Key Features
- Dual Functionality: This set includes both chess and checkers pieces, making it ideal for players who enjoy variety.
- Tournament Size: Meets FIDE and USCF standards, with large 2.25″ squares and a clear, easy-to-read layout, making it perfect for serious players and learners alike.
- Foldable Rubber Mat: The flexible rubber board rolls up easily without creasing. It stays flat during play and resists stains, scratches, and UV damage.
- Portable: Comes with a spacious green canvas bag that holds the board and all pieces securely. Great for travel and storage.
- Durable Pieces: All pieces are made from solid plastic built for repeated use. The set includes bonus queens and checkers for convenience during promotions.
- Beginner-Friendly: Includes a simple instruction sheet—ideal for kids, beginners, and classrooms.
Final Words
Whether you’re a casual player looking for a set to enjoy with friends or a serious player gearing up for tournaments, these budget-friendly options have you covered. Therefore, do not allow the cost to hinder you from fully enjoying the game of chess!