Reviews indicate a clear split between product experience and fulfilment/support. When the board arrives, several owners praise the automated play, piece design and enjoyment; others report software sync quirks or hardware failures. A large portion of reviewers report delivery problems, long backer waits, and poor or templated customer responses, sometimes requiring escalation for refunds. If you consider buying, verify current shipping timelines, ask about refund and warranty terms, and keep purchase and correspondence records. For crowdfunded or pre-order purchases, weigh the delivery risk against the product benefits reported by received-unit owners.
Examples from available reviews (Feb 2023 – Feb 2026).
Automated board provided a unique, frustration-free playing experience and attractive design.
“it is one of the smartest chess boards ever made.”
Backer never received product after crowdfunding campaign and poor responses.
“since then I never received anything”
Returned package not reshipped due to missing customs documents and poor communication.
“THIS SWAP WAS NOT BROKEN, NOT EVEN USED A SINGLE TIME”
Board failed after one game and support refused refund or replacement.
“played one game before the chessboard stopped working.”
Most reviewers describe repeated delivery failures: long backer waits, missed ship dates, returned parcels, and unresolved replacement or refund requests.
Several buyers report poor value due to non-delivery, lack of refunds, or broken items; a minority of owners say the board was worth the cost.
Owners who received working boards report enjoyable automated play and attractive design; a few note app sync or gameplay handoff issues.
Delivered units are often praised for design and moving pieces, but multiple reports describe early hardware failures or non-working products.
Many reviewers report poor support: templated or slow replies, unclear timelines, missing tracking information, and limited proactive updates.
Overall impressions split: satisfied owners praise gameplay and design, while many backers report non-delivery, delays, or unsatisfactory support and outcomes.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (21) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
Loves the self-moving board and kids enjoy watching live games.
“I love the self-moving board!”
Customer frustrated by repeated delays and lack of delivery transparency.
“ongoing lack of transparency, accountability, and proper communication”
Backer never received product after crowdfunding campaign and poor responses.
“since then I never received anything”
Order promised for Christmas did not ship and remains delayed.
“It's 27 Dec and the board has not yet shipped.”
Ordered two boards years ago and still has not received them.
“Never received the product.”
Ordered a board five years ago and still waiting for delivery.
“I ordered a board five years ago and I am still waiting.”
Returned package not reshipped due to missing customs documents and poor communication.
“THIS SWAP WAS NOT BROKEN, NOT EVEN USED A SINGLE TIME”
Ordered combo in 2020 and still hasn't been delivered after years.
“still got nothing delivered!”
Did not receive ordered chess board and reviewer calls it a scam.
“Never got my chess.”
Has not received part of order since November 24, 2022.
“I have not received part of my order since Nov 24, 2022.”
Order not received, tracking failed, but company later issued a refund.
“The tracking number doesn't work and of course I have not received the actual product.”
Product arrived slightly late without a tracking link, and works fine.
“Delivered a week after the date I got from them to Sweden.”
Board failed after one game and support refused refund or replacement.
“played one game before the chessboard stopped working.”
Never received purchased chess case and did not get a refund.
“Bought chess case and never received it neither money back.”
Bought via Indiegogo in 2020 and still has not received the board.
“I still have not received the chessboard.”
Pre-ordered in 2020 and never received product despite email updates.
“Pre-ordered on Indiegogo in 2020. Never got it.”
Ordered in 2020 and still not delivered; company unresponsive and accusatory.
“Ordered a SWAP chess board on Januari 10 2020, untill today, still have not received it.”
Order from November 2021 never delivered and communication ceased in 2023.
“I ordered a product from square off in November 2021. It was never delivered.”
Board delivered early, works well, app has occasional issues and GPS requirement.
“The chess board and pieces are beautiful.”
Company raised funds but failed to deliver to many backers and support is poor.
“never delivered the product to so many of the people who backed them.”
Reviewer believes the owner is cheating and warns others not to order.
“I have little hope of ever receiving a device.”
I recently purchased the Square Off automated chess board and can confidently say that it is one of the smartest chess boards ever made. The technology used in this product takes what was already a great game to a whole new level.
The experience of playing on this board is truly unique. With its automated pieces, I am able to play against an artificial intelligence opponent or connect with players from around the world, all without having to physically move any pieces myself. This saved me loads of time and resulted in zero frustration when trying out different openings rapidly.
One thing that stood out to me was how well-designed this product is. The pieces are intricately crafted and look beautiful on the board itself, making for an attractive piece whether you're playing a quick match or simply displaying it as an art object.
Overall my experience with Square Off has been incredibly positive--the technology is impressive, design elements are top notch, and it has added fun & learning value at home during these pandemic times
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarized without changing the content of reviews.
Square Off produces automated, self-moving chess boards that pair with a companion app for online play and AI opponents. Commonly referenced model names include Neo, Swap and Pro. The company has sold boards through crowdfunding campaigns and direct sales channels.