Many buyers say their orders never arrived and the wait dragged on for a long time without a fix. Several describe unclear shipping updates and support that didn’t respond. Others report good-looking, working automated chessboards and fun remote play. A few mention hardware problems and remedies they say were denied.
Examples from available reviews (Feb 2023 – Mar 2026).
Bought via Indiegogo in 2020 and still has not received the board.
“I still have not received the chessboard.”
Customer frustrated by repeated delays and lack of delivery transparency.
“ongoing lack of transparency, accountability, and proper communication”
Loves the self-moving board and kids enjoy watching live games.
“I love the self-moving board!”
Automated board provided a unique, frustration-free playing experience and attractive design.
“it is one of the smartest chess boards ever made.”
Multiple accounts describe orders placed years ago that still never arrived. Several buyers say refunds didn’t come, or only appeared after they complained. Some reports end with refunds issued after deliveries failed.
Many reviewers call it poor value when the product never shows up. People who did receive a board often say the design and automated play make it worth it. A small number of comments say they felt cheated when expectations weren’t met.
Owners who got their boards describe smooth automated gameplay and an attractive finish. A few mention app glitches and an app permission requirement as minor snags. These issues show up far less often than delivery complaints.
A small number of customers report hardware failures after limited use. They also describe trying to get a replacement or refund and say those requests were refused. Most product-quality notes focus on boards working as expected once they arrive.
Customers often mention missing or broken tracking links and little visibility into shipping. Several reviews describe messages that went unanswered and communication that suddenly stopped. A smaller group reports on-time or early deliveries with acceptable updates.
Reviews split between many unresolved order stories and a set of happy owners. Most complaints focus on delivery and support. Positive comments highlight the automated movement and the board’s look.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (21) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: March 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 makes and sells automated chessboards that let people play remotely through companion mobile apps. It builds physical boards with built-in electronics and ships them directly to customers through its online store. The lineup includes boards for over-the-board play, solo practice, and app-based matches. Square Off provides online support channels and order-tracking tools.