If you love chess and travel, a reliable travel chess set is an essential piece of kit. This guide lists the 10 best travel chess sets for 2025, focusing on compactness, magnetic stability, build quality, and ease of use. Whether you want a budget plastic set, a premium wooden folding set, or a lightweight magnetic roll-up board, this article helps you choose the best travel chess set to buy, with clear buying advice and direct (affiliate) links to shop.
Why You Need a Dedicated Travel Chess Set
A travel chess set is different from a standard chess set because it’s built for portability and stability. Good travel sets are:
- Compact: Foldable or roll-up designs that fit in a backpack.
- Magnetic or pegged: Pieces stay in place on moving vehicles.
- Lightweight: Easy to carry around.
- Durable: Withstand everyday travel wear.
If you plan to buy a travel chess set for commuting, vacations, or long trips, this guide covers the top options available in 2025 and what makes each unique.
How I Chose These Travel Chess Sets (Criteria)
Selection was based on:
- Portability — size and weight for travel
- Piece stability — magnetic, pegged, or recessed pieces
- Build quality — materials and finish
- Playability — piece design (Staunton-style preferred)
- Price and value — budget to premium options
- User reviews and retailer reputation — Amazon, ChessHouse, House of Staunton, World Chess Shop and specialist makers
Now let’s look at the top 10 travel chess sets for 2025.
1. Chess Armory Magnetic Travel Chess Set (Best Overall Value)
Overview: The Chess Armory magnetic folding set offers a compact 9.5″ board, Staunton- style plastic pieces, and in-board storage—ideal for casual players who want an affordable, reliable travel set.
Key specs:
- Board size: 9.5″ folding
- Piece material: molded plastic (weighted)
- Magnetized: yes
- Weight: ~600g
Why buy: Excellent balance of affordability and function. The magnets hold pieces steady on buses and trains and the set stores neatly inside the folding board.
Buy Now : https://amzn.to/4oG9hfm
Pros: Affordable, durable, good for travel. Cons: Plastic pieces feel less premium than wood.
2. House of Staunton 10″ Wooden Magnetic Folding Travel Chess Set (Best Premium Wooden Set)
Overview: House of Staunton is a trusted specialist. Their 10″ wooden magnetic folding travel set uses boxwood and sheesham pieces with a well-crafted inlaid folding board—perfect for players who want a classic look while on the move.
Key specs:
- Board size: 10″ folding (inlaid or veneer options)
- Pieces: Boxwood / Sheesham (hand finished)
- Magnetized: yes (strong magnets embedded)
- Weight: ~1.2kg
Why buy: High-quality wooden pieces and superior finishing make this an heirloom-quality travel set.
Buy (affiliate): https://www.houseofstaunton.com/collections/travel-chess-sets
Pros: Premium tactile feel, beautiful finish. Cons: Heavier and more expensive.
3. World Chess Travel Chess Set (Best Craftsmanship)
Overview: Crafted with fine boxwood pieces and a compact folding board, World Chess’s travel set is built for frequent players who don’t want to compromise on touch and balance.
Key specs:
- Board size: 9”–10” folding options
- Pieces: Hand-turned boxwood
- Magnetized: yes
- Weight: ~1.0kg
Why buy: Exceptional craftsmanship and pieces that feel tournament-quality despite the compact size.
Buy Now : https://shop.worldchess.com/products/world-chess-travel-chess-set
Pros: Great piece feel, looks professional. Cons: Higher price point.
4. AMEROUS 10” Magetic Travel Chess Set – Chess for Beginner, Kids, Adults
(Best Budget Option)
Overview: AMEROUS 10” Magetic Travel Chess Set, Plastic Portable Folding Chess Board Game with Gold and Silver Chess Pieces – 2 Extra Queens – Chess for Beginner, Kids, Adults
with magnetic pieces that mimic the look of plastic chess sets at a budget price.
Key specs:
- Board size: 10″ folding
- Magnetized: yes
Why buy: If you want a wood-like appearance without the premium price, AMEROUS provides good value.
Buy Now : https://amzn.to/4oQGBAC
Pros: Affordable, looks nice. Cons: Not real wood; less durable long-term.
5. Roll-Up Magnetic Chess Board (Best for Ultra-Light Travel)
Overview: Roll-up boards are thin and can be rolled into a small tube—ideal for backpackers. These boards pair with small magnetic or pegged pieces.
Key specs:
- Board size: 12” or larger (roll-up)
- Pieces: lightweight plastic with magnetic bases or pegged versions
- Magnetized: often yes (embedded magnets in pieces)
- Weight: ~200–400g total (board only)
Why buy: Small footprint, extremely lightweight, perfect for hikers and campers.
Buy (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3LkhTtG
Pros: Compact, low weight. Cons: Pieces can be tiny; less elegant.
6. Staunton 4.25″ Pocket Magnetic Set (Best Pocket-Sized Set)
Overview: Pocket magnetic sets (checkbook style) fold into a slim wallet and are great for pocket carry. The pieces are usually flat-bottomed with small magnets.
Key specs:
- Board size: ~6″ closed
- Pieces: flat magnetic pieces
- Magnetized: yes
- Weight: ~150–300g
Why buy: If you want to carry chess in your everyday bag or jacket pocket, pocket sets are unbeatable.
Buy (affiliate): https://www.houseofstaunton.com/products/us-chess-pocket-magnetic
Pros: Extremely portable. Cons: Not ideal for serious play due to small piece size.
7. Deluxe Magnetic Leatherette Travel Set (Best For Style and Durability)
Overview: Leatherette travel sets use faux leather folding boards with recessed squares and weighted wooden pieces with magnets. These combine style and utility for business travelers.
Key specs:
- Board size: 10” folding
- Pieces: weighted wood or metal-look pieces
- Magnetized: yes
- Weight: ~900g–1.1kg
Why buy: Durable, stylish, and travel-friendly—great as a gift or for frequent flyers.
Buy Now : https://royalchessmall.com/collections/travel-sets
Pros: Attractive finish and durability. Cons: Slightly heavier.
8. Magnetic Stone Travel Set (Best for Outdoor Use)
Overview: Magnetic stone sets (small circular or pebble-like pieces) are tough, weather-resistant, and often sold with a roll-up or small folding board.
Key specs:
- Board size: 10″ or roll-up
- Pieces: stone/resin pebble pieces with magnets
- Magnetized: yes
- Weight: variable
Why buy: Built for rugged use—hands-down the best option for beach or RV travel.
Buy Now : https://www.etsy.com/listing/1042938497/personalised-handmade-wooden-magnetic
Pros: Durable, unique look. Cons: Pieces can be small or irregular; check piece shape before buying.
9. Luxury Compact Magnetic Travel Set (Best Gift)
Overview: Several boutique makers produce luxury compact travel sets with hand-carved wooden pieces, inlaid boards, and velveteen interiors. These are more decorative but still fully playable.
Key specs:
- Board size: 8”–10” folding
- Pieces: hand-carved wood
- Magnetized: often yes
- Weight: ~1.0kg+
Why buy: High-end feel and presentation—ideal as a premium gift for chess lovers.
Buy Now : https://houseofchess.com/collections/travel-chess-sets
Pros: Stunning presentation. Cons: Expensive; heavier to carry.
10. Kids’ Magnetic Travel Chess Set (Best for Families and Beginners)
Overview: Lightweight, colorful, and affordable sets designed for kids and family use. Often include extra queens, durable storage and strong magnets.
Key specs:
- Board size: 8”–12″
- Pieces: chunky plastic, strong magnets
- Magnetized: yes
- Weight: ~400–700g
Why buy: Durable and inexpensive—perfect for families who want to introduce kids to chess while traveling.
Buy Now : https://amzn.to/3JvXdOX
Pros: Durable, kid-friendly. Cons: Less elegant for adult players.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Chess Set
When shopping, consider these factors:
- Board size vs. portability: 9–10″ folding boards are a good middle ground. Under 8″ can be hard to use for long games.
- Magnetic strength: Strong magnets are essential if you plan to play on a moving vehicle.
- Piece weight and balance: Weighted pieces feel better and stay put.
- Storage: Sets with integrated storage or a zipper case are safest for travel.
- Material: Wood for feel, plastic for budget, leatherette for style.
- Price: Expect to pay anywhere from $15 for basic plastic sets to $250+ for handcrafted wooden travel sets.
Transactional keywords to look for while shopping: buy travel chess set, best price travel chess set, order magnetic chess set, travel chess set sale, discount travel chess set.
Safety and Care Tips for Travel Chess Sets
- Keep small magnetic pieces away from children—magnets can be hazardous if swallowed.
- Store pieces in their case to prevent loss.
- Clean wooden pieces with a soft cloth and avoid water.
- Check magnets periodically—over time they can weaken.
Where to Buy: Reliable Retailers and Affiliate Opportunities
Reputable retailers for travel chess sets include:
- Amazon — widest selection and fast shipping (good for affiliate links)
- House of Staunton — specialist high-quality sets
- ChessHouse — a broad range of tournament and travel sets
- House of Chess / Royal Chess Mall / World Chess Shop — boutique and handmade sets
- Etsy — handcrafted and personalized travel sets
(Use your affiliate IDs when linking product pages. Example affiliate link format for Amazon:
Final Thoughts: Which Travel Chess Set Should You Buy?
- For most players: Chess Armory Magnetic Travel Set — best value and reliable performance.
- For frequent travelers who want premium feel: House of Staunton 10″ Wooden Magnetic Set.
- For hikers and backpackers: Roll-up magnetic board with peg/magnetic stones.
- For gifting: *Luxury compact magnetic travel set
Leave a Reply