6 Excellent Cheap Chess Sets For Players On Budget

Buying a gorgeous, everyday chess board doesn’t have to break your bank. But (and this is a big but) you don’t want a board so flimsy it falls apart after a game or two. So, we decided to go on the hunt for cheap chess sets you could buy today. 

What's great about our list is we cover plenty of affordable options out there. 

So, whether you’re just getting into chess or need a solid backup board, you will find a chess set that fits your budget. 

Let's get down to it and look at six budget-friendly chess boards.

1. House of Staunton Basic Vinyl Chess Board

Our first pick is a chess board that (almost) everyone at some point has seen or owned. 

The classic Vinyl chess set from The House of Staunton is lightweight, practical, and lasts a long time.

You must have seen this (or an exact same replica) in a chess club or a tournament. They're very dependable and easy to use.

It's a board chess enthusiasts have grown up with, and you may have, or at one point, even seen this at your home. It's simple and gets the job done.

This is one of the best cheap chess sets out there — made from vinyl and is super durable. It’s handy if you're someone who spills drinks or maybe tends to be a little rough with your gear.

Let us share a great tip with you: If you do get coffee or food stains, you can just wipe it down. It'll be as good as new!

Another great advantage of this board is that it's portable. We mentioned before that it's lightweight, so you can take it with you on trips or even on the go. You can just fold it up, and it'll take up minimal space in your bag.

The vinyl surface has clear, well-marked squares and a matte finish that reduces glare under bright lights. It’s perfect for both casual and competitive games.

But, you know what the only downside is with this board? It’s not the flashiest choice.

If aesthetics are important, you might look for a board that offers those premium qualities. But if you’re after a no-fuss, all-purpose board that gets the job done, this one is hard to beat—especially for the price.

But, there is another big win with this set — you get to choose from a range of colors. While you do get the classic black-and-white, you also get different colors like royal blue, forest green, and even purple!

2. Pocket Magnetic Chess Set

Sometimes, you just need a no-fuss chess set — something compact, easy to use, and reliable. The Pocket Magnetic Chess Set delivers exactly that.

At 6.5” x 4.0” when closed, it’s small enough to fit almost anywhere. You can unfold it, and you’ve got a functional board with 0.75” squares — just enough space for smooth play. The magnetic pieces snap into place, so you’re not constantly adjusting them after every move.

It’s not a statement piece or a collector’s item, but that’s the point. It’s built for convenience, whether you’re playing a quick game or studying moves on the go. The pop-out pieces stay secure, and the design keeps things simple.

No unnecessary extras, no bulk — just a solid little chess set that does what it needs to do.

3. Analysis Chess Pieces and Cinch Bag Combo

Who doesn't enjoy playing board games while on the go? They're a great way to keep yourself occupied while you reach your destination.

But, hey, sometimes, you just need a chess set that gets the job done without overcomplicating things. So let us bring your attention to the Analysis Chess Pieces and Cinch Bag Combo.

It's easily one of the best portable Staunton sets on the market.

You know those chess sets that look amazing but weigh a ton or take forever to set up? This isn’t one of them. The cinch bag is lightweight but tough, making it easy to toss in your backpack or carry on its own.

Whether you’re heading on a long train journey, a long drive, or just meeting a friend for a game, everything fits neatly in one place. You know what's the best part? No more scrambling to find your pieces or worrying about losing them.

The pieces themselves are solid and sturdy—that's just necessary and what you’d hope from analysis-sized pieces. They’re easy to handle, have decent weight, and won’t tip over at the slightest bump.

This is a perfect combo that shines when you’re playing on the move. The pieces pair perfectly with an analysis board, leaving you enough space to study your lines, work through tricky positions, or even teach a beginner.

If you’ve ever tried lugging around a bulky wooden set, you’ll immediately appreciate how portable and hassle-free this setup is.

If you’re looking for a set that prioritizes functionality and ease, this combo is an easy yes. It’s perfect for casual games, study sessions, or even introducing someone to chess. 

4. Clipboard Magnetic Chess Set

We’ve already talked about your classic vinyl chess set and your everyday portable set, but what if you want something that’s built for convenience and on-the-go play? So, let's look at something… a little different. The Clipboard Magnetic Chess Set.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way, shall we? This set isn’t about displaying a statement board on your tabletop — it’s about practicality, portability, and ease of use.

The 13" x 9.75" folding design makes it incredibly lightweight and compact. The magnetic chessboard inside ensures your pieces stay firmly in place during travel or analysis. Whether you’re reviewing past games, practicing drills, or playing a quick match - this set is designed to keep up with you.

And here’s the cool part: it’s clipboard-style. That means no fumbling with bulky boards or awkward storage.

You can just open it up, set it down, and you’re ready to play. The 1” squares provide enough space for smooth movement. Since the pieces are magnetic, you won’t have to worry about losing your position mid-game.

But then you must be wondering, what’s the difference?

The Clipboard Magnetic Chess Set isn’t just another travel board—it’s the perfect tool for coaches, trainers, and serious players who need something practical yet professional. Whether you're studying openings, analyzing a game position, or just squeezing in some quick practice, this set makes it effortless.

If you’re someone who values portability and functionality without sacrificing a clean, professional look, this Chess set might just be your best move.

5. Drake Magnetic Travel Chess Set

Alright, let’s get real about the Drake Chess Set. This isn’t some overly fancy, break-the-bank board, but it’s the kind of board that makes you think, Yeah, this is what chess should feel like.

You know when a chess set just looks like it belongs?

That’s what this one does. What's wonderful about this set is that the Indian Rosewood and Natural Boxwood pieces have that rich, traditional Staunton design that screams classic. The Walnut and Maple chessboard keeps things balanced with a clean, bright contrast.

It’s simple, and it’s timeless.

And here’s the cool part—it’s magnetic. So, your board doesn’t look like it came off an assembly line. It’s got personality, kind of like a good chess match—calm and refined on the surface but packed with detail when you really look at it.

This isn’t one of those travel boards where your pieces wobble or you feel like the squares are too cramped. The 13" x 13" footprint gives your pieces room to breathe—perfect for a portable yet functional chess experience.

It’s smooth, durable, and feels like it’s built to last.

It’s also the kind of board that doesn’t just get shoved in a closet when you’re done. You can leave it out on a table (like a showpiece), and it actually looks good. Plus, it folds in half for easy storage, making it perfect for travel or quick setup.

Look, you’re not buying this set to flex. You buy it because you want something reliable, well-made, and classic. It’s not flashy, and that’s what makes it so solid.

It’s functional, elegant, and just plain satisfying to use. With fitted compartments inside for piece storage and a choice of Walnut or Ebony finishes, it’s designed for serious play on the go.

Give it a shot—you’ll get it.

6. The Standard Checkbook Magnetic Travel Chess Set

One of the best things you can take on a long trip is a board game. You can open up a board game anywhere - on a train, on a camping trip, or even a friend's get-together. 

If you enjoy chess and are looking for a magnetic (and not bulky) set for your travels, you should check out the Standard Checkbook Magnetic Travel Chess Set.

Let’s start with the size: this set folds down to the dimensions of a checkbook. Seriously, it’s that compact.

Yeah, it’s one of the best cheap chess sets out there, and you can simply toss it in your bag or just slip it into a pocket. Sure, it’s small, but you can enjoy the game without the board taking over your space.

If you’ve ever tried to play chess on a wobbly surface or in a moving vehicle, you know how annoying it is when pieces slide around. This set solves that. 

The magnets are just strong enough to keep everything in place but not so strong that you’re wrestling to move a piece. It’s simple, but it works like a charm.

You know what the best part is? 

The board doubles as a storage case, so you’re not constantly hunting for missing pieces. Everything stays organized and ready for the next game. 

The design is minimal and straightforward—nothing fancy, just clear squares and functional pieces that let you focus on the game.

Final Thoughts

We hope our list of cheap chess sets, or rather, budget chess sets, has inspired you to play the game. Our list offers a mix of different chess set materials and functions. 

Which set are you leaning towards? Are you into the wooden boards, the magnetic ones, or the classic black-and-white vinyl board?