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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChessUp 2 is worth considering if you regularly want to play Chess.com games on a physical board and will use its built-in guidance; at the maker’s listed U.S. sale price of $379.99, it is a hard sell if you mainly play casually or are satisfied with a phone or tablet. Bryght Labs advertises online games, bots, offline two-player play and learning aids, but the available sources establish those features—not independent proof of reliability or improved chess skills.
What ChessUp 2 is—and what appeared on Shark Tank
ChessUp 2 is the second generation of Bryght Labs’ connected chessboard. The original ChessUp appeared on Shark Tank Season 14, Episode 9; ABC described it as a smart board with a built-in engine and instructor. ABC’s episode page identifies the product, while Bryght Labs’ current product page presents ChessUp 2 as the next generation.
The TV appearance explains the brand’s name recognition, but it does not establish that a deal shown on the program was finalized. The practical question is whether the connected-board experience earns its price for your style of play.
What the board is designed to do
The main proposition is to bring online chess to a physical board without requiring you to make every move on a screen. ChessUp says ChessUp 2 supports Chess.com games, bots, offline two-player matches, postgame analysis and move assistance. Chess.com has also described it as a way to play its service using physical pieces. These are feature descriptions from the maker and its platform partner, not independent test findings. See Chess.com’s ChessUp 2 launch coverage.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Online games, bots and saved games
In an interview with Chess.com, co-founder Jeff Wigh described the connected play flow: “You can hit ‘seek game.’ You can play any of the time formats you like. You can actually play all the Chess.com bots and all the dialogue is right there. Your games are saved on Chess.com afterwards, so it’s like Chess.com on a real board.” The integration matters most to players who want Chess.com opponents or bots while moving physical pieces, rather than using a phone or computer board.
ChessUp says the board is “officially supported by Chess.com.” That is the manufacturer’s wording; Chess.com’s launch coverage independently documents the platform integration, but neither source establishes how reliably it performs in everyday use.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Learning aids and offline play
ChessUp advertises touch-sensitive pieces and move assistance intended to show legal moves or guide play, as well as offline games between two people and postgame analysis. Such aids may help a newer player understand available moves or make it easier to start a game. A player who wants to calculate unaided may prefer to leave guidance off or may not value it. The sources do not establish that using these features improves skill faster.
Price and evidence to weigh
On October 3, 2026, Bryght Labs’ U.S. product page listed ChessUp 2 for $379.99 on sale, down from $429.99. This is a live listing, not a guaranteed future price; check the product page before buying.
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Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Chess.com reported on June 4, 2025, that more than 25,000 ChessUp 2 users across 158 countries had played more than 500,000 games on Chess.com using the board. Those are the platform’s own promotional figures, not an audited study or a measure of customer satisfaction. The available product and platform sources describe what the board is intended to do, but do not provide independent evidence adequate to judge reliability, durability, or learning outcomes.
Who is most likely to find it worthwhile?
- Consider it if you play Chess.com often, strongly prefer moving real pieces, and expect to use the integrated online play, bots or analysis regularly.
- Think carefully if move guidance and a built-in touchscreen sound useful but you are not sure how often you will use them. The value depends on whether those conveniences change how often or how comfortably you play.
- Look elsewhere or stick with what you have if most of your games are occasional, you are content playing on a phone or tablet, or nearly $380 is too much for a dedicated chess device.
Before buying, decide whether the physical-board experience is a central part of your chess routine or simply a novelty. Also consider whether you want an interface and move prompts on the board, or prefer the flexibility of a separate screen. This is a use-case judgment, not a market ranking: the cited sources do not establish current competitor models or comparable prices.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Verdict
ChessUp 2 has a clear appeal: Chess.com play and learning features built around physical pieces. That makes it a plausible premium choice for a frequent online player who specifically wants a real board. At the listed sale price of $379.99, the hype alone is not a reason to buy; the value hinges on how much you will use that integrated experience, and independent evidence on reliability and learning benefits remains limited.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
