The pastime of chess epitomizes a game of intellect, and strategy, and has remained appealing for centuries. As a grandmaster or a beginner, one is bound to use a reliable chess set. However, luxury sets are not everyone's cup of tea. Luckily, affordable chess sets intended for casual players, students, and budget lifetime purchasers for the year 2025 are aplenty. These sets do not compromise on quality, durability, or style. In this piece, we will dive deep into the best-reviewed premium chess sets and electronic chess sets for chess lovers.

Why Invest in a Chess Set?

There are multiple reasons that one can cite in favor of investing into owning a premium chess set. First and foremost, chess as a game serves as a great enhancer of critical thinking, as well as multitasking. With a physical chess set, one can unplug from technology and deeply immerse themselves in a physical experience. Not to mention, it's really good for spending time with friends, family, and even serves as classy home decor.

Manufacturing designs have improved so much that cheap chess sets in 2025 will not be equated with low quality. A multitude of lower priced options available now come with sturdy materials and beautifully crafted designs and are easily portable. Such affordable sets are now ideal for players of all skill levels.

What to Look for in a Cheap Chess Set

The following criteria should be considered when purchasing an inexpensive chess set.

Material: Chess sets can be made using wood, plastic, and also metal. While classic sets are made and built of wood, plastic sets are easier to carry and budget friendly.

Size: Keep in mind the dimensions of the pieces and the board. The standard measurement of a tournament's board is 20 inches, but smaller sets can be bought as well because they are easier to carry.

Portability: If you would want to travel with your set, you should consider getting foldable boards or magnetic sets for easier storage and to keep pieces from moving around.

Design: Even inexpensive chess set comes with stylish designs. Choose the one that resonates with your preference.

Durability: The chess set should be built well enough so that it can withstand regular use.

Cheap Chess Sets to Buy in 2025

Now, let’s explore some of the most affordable chess sets for 2025.

Chessnut Evo: The Future of Chess with Human-AI Integration

Chessnut Evo is the innovative way of integrating new technologies with a traditional game of chess in order to make chess more engaging and captivating. Enhanced with Chessnut’s cutting-edge piece recognition technology and human-like chess engine Maia, Evo offers an AI opponent that customizes itself to your skill level. Effortless gameplay is enabled through the sharp eye design and simple control of the Evo’s 12.3-inch display, 8-core Android system, and built-in NPU.

Evo’s multicolour LED board allows for detailed move analysis while ensuring precise move tracking through Evo’s 100% piece recognition feature. Evo keeps the experience of playing chess on a physical board while connecting users to global opponents, seamlessly integrating with popular online platforms and chess software.

Chessnut Evo is not just a board, it is a tool that players can use to enhance their skills as the open software ecosystem, featuring LC0 integration, gives the opportunity to play against advanced AI or even build your own chess engine.

Chessnut Go: Ultimate Portable Travel Electronic Chessboard

The portable chess enthusiast will love the compact travel case and sleek ultra-thin design (9 x 10.5 x 0.15 inches) of the Chessnut Go. Whether you are commuting, travelling abroad, or having to run other errands, Chessnut Go will guarantee you never miss a move. Comes with an upgraded Full Piece Recognition technology that allows for effortless gaming even with magnets keeping the pieces securely attached outdoors and during other sessions.

The versatile Chessnut Go will accommodate all players, with effortless syncing to multi-platform apps and third-party software. The box set comes with a USB-C charging cable, 34 sensor equipped plastic pieces (including 2 extra queens), a quick start guide, and a stylish carrying bag. Step up your Chess game with the innovation steeped in tradition now built for modern lifestyles with the Chessnut Go.

Chessnut Pro: The Ultimate Full-Sized Wooden Electronic Chess Set

With the full-sized wooden Chessnut Pro, you will get the classy look of a wooden chess set alongside modern automated features for a great chess experience. This unique set is built with top quality wooden chess pieces and has a classic design with modern technology. You can train with tough AI, play online on Chess.com and Lichess, or use other apps.

Chessnut Pro comes with Full Piece Recognition, so every move is tracked accurately with the option to export PGN/FEN files for research and analysis. Whether you are training, having casual games, or ready to step into the tough battles, the Chessnut pro is a blend of modern and classic that takes your chess experience to a new level.

Chessnut Air: Affordable Wooden Electronic Chessboard

The Chessnut Air is a great option for chess lovers as it brings the charm of a wooden chess set and is surprisingly affordable. This simple, elegant frame wooden electronic chess set is a mahogany wooden chess set that mix traditional and modern. Train against AI and sharpen your skills or seamlessly play online via popular websites like Chess.com and Lichess.

Each move is perfectly captured, allowing you to import and export PGN/FEN files for thorough examinations. The Chessnut Air app works together with a multitude of other apps to provide unmatched learning and entertainment potential. With Chessnut Air, you take your game to the next level at an affordable price: true innovation.

Chessnut Air+: Whole Wooden Portable E-Board

The Chessnut Air+ is a premium and stylish wooden portable electronic chess set designed specifically for contemporary chess players. Its sleek design is pleasing to the eye and serves a purpose. Battle against advanced AI to improve your skills or take your game online. 

The Air+ features Full Piece Recognition technology, allowing for superior move tracking while enabling the use of third party applications in addition to the Chessnut app. Whether you are casually passing time, analyzing games, or exporting PGN/FEN files Chessnut Air+ provides a sleek and premium chess experience. It is the perfect travel companion for training and leisure, providing endless enjoyment.

+/Chessnut Move: Redefining Robotic Chess

Innovation does not bring with it a dual-edge sword benefit, and that is precisely what Chessnut Move6 is executing with robotic chess. Their strategy takes the form of automation coupled with the traditional chessboard-like design multitude. The automated piece movement feature enabled on this revolutionary “chess box” allows for all pieces to simultaneously reposition, leading to quick game resets or room customization.

Players will appreciate the advanced technologies designed in Chessnut Move which guarantees advanced full perimeter recognition with 1mm positional accuracy, along with endgame video import features, allowing users to set or replicate predefined positions from videos. The piece movement and response latency are also improved with a 10Hz refresh rate and 0.1 second response time provided by Move, ideal for blitz chess matches.

With integrated built-in engines such as stockfish, and an automatic voice mechanism Chessnut Move is a versatile chess tool that enthusiasts all around the world can enjoy.

Tips for Maintaining Your Chess Set

Every chess set is special. It's not solely a game. It symbolizes an investment of time, resources and efforts that put into learning chess and thinking strategically. Here are a few tips to ensure that your chess set is in its perfect condition. 

Regular Cleaning

Pieces of dust and dirt can cover your chessboard and chess pieces with time which will affect them. After each use, take a clean and dry cloth or a slightly wet cloth to wipe the set off. Note that for wooden chess sets, water and any harsh chemicals should strongly be avoided. These will damage the finish of the set.

Store It Right

Store your chess set in a cool and dry place. Make sure to keep it protected from sunlight, humidity, and extreme temperatures. Such conditions can warp or fade the wood. For proper protection, consider keeping the set in its original box or a storage case.

Handle with Care

Your chess pieces need your attention as they are vulnerable. They can chip break, or lose their intricate details, as dropping, mishandling, or any form of contact that worsens thank can irreparably ruin them. During gameplay, instead of sliding pieces across the board, you need to lift them up so they don’t scratch or wear down the surface beneath.

Use a Storage Bag for Travel Sets

A proper storage bag or case needs to be invested in if you own portable or travel chess sets. It’s crucial as it will prevent the board and pieces from being damaged throughout movement. Make sure to select a compartmentalized, padded case or bag that will allow for everything to be placed in an organized manner.

Key Takeaway

Chess is one of those games that wear elegance with time – irrespective of age, proficiency or financial constraints. There are some wonderful, affordable options available in the market ranging from environmentally friendly wooden designs to modern silicone and electronic chess sets. Whether you are someone who has just learned the fundamentals, someone who plays chess during weekend gatherings, or an experienced chess player looking for something compact, there are sets made to suit every skill level.

Once again, Chessnut masters the craft of making affordable and premium chess sets by combining high durability and functionality. Every chess lover is sure to find his match in our products, which range from compact portable sets like Chessnut Go to advanced ones like Chessnut Evo and even our revolutionary portable set Chessnut Move.

Now, investments in a premium chess set are not only expenses towards a game; they also serve as an opportunity towards different avenues of learning, imagination, and relationships. By investing in a chess set, you set your life decoratively in motion, as adored memories are sure to flow through family game nights together for a long time.

Check out our entire inventory and discover the chess set that best matches your vision. At home, while traveling, or even online, Chessnut is always with you to enhance your chess experience. Enjoy the game!