I like the clarity and simplicity of the first set, although I am sort of reluctant to say that. Will it help if you get 3 replies, one for each board?
What do I really think is the best set for study? Any one with a clear and straightforward design. I had a friend with one of those fantasy Lord of the Rings sets or something. Too much time gets spent trying to remember which piece is which.
Dan. Agreed. I'd love a detailed medieval set, but believe it will distract, especially when learning.
Personally, I too like the simplicity of the first, and the better size, but I don't like the small lettering and the obvious plasticity. The middle is just that I think, a mid-choice with a bit more color/design but remaining simplistic (it's available 9.4x9.4 or 9.4x12). The wood one is nice, it's wood, the "distraction" is more the board border so not bad, but a little more cramped because of those big borders.
I can be my own worst enemy. Everyone in this house picked a different favorite, hahaa.
I figure the last one is also magnetic. I own the middle one and it’s alright but I gave it away to a young student of mine.
The black and white one will be a little harder for studying, because of the colors.
The magnets in those type of wood sets are usually not too strong. That’s alright if you won’t be jostling the set around too much.
If the wood one is magnetic that would be my first choice.
If it is not magnetic then I would get the middle one.
Eyechess.. what do you mean the black/white one wouldn't be good for studying because of the colors? B/W are traditional. Thanks for the thoughts.
ps- all 3 are magnetic. Mainly using for at my computer desk, and sitting up in bed.
I like the middle one best as the notation on top one is too small and I'm not too keen on black and white figures on black and white board and the bottom one looks too fussy.
Not sure now cant make my mind up between middle and bottom!
hahaha..... welcome to my world
The black and white one looks nice but the pieces and the squares are the same color which makes it difficult to distinguish the pieces from the squares. It impacts concentration and focus for some including me. If it doesn't bother you then you don't need to worry about it.
The depicted boards/ pieces are too small. They do not to meet official standards for OTB play.
They appear to be folding travel sets - could not be used in tournaments.
If good $ is to be spent, why not get an official sized one? The depicted sets look nice- certainly aren’t “cheap.”
The thing about undersized sets - pieces are easily knocked over. Not practical for blitz.
As mentioned above, the black pieces on black squares would match too much. For studying, more contrast between the dark squares and the black pieces is preferable.
For price- can’t beat vinyl boards and a Drueke set.
This is intended for study, not OTB/tournament play. So smaller size is by intent here.
I also don't think that the algebraic notation is important, and it is actually counterproductive. You want to reach the point where you just know what each square is (where is e4? what's that square? etc). Every time we rely on the board to tell us is one time we don't practice remembering or working it out. So I am really suggesting be open to boards that are otherwise perfect but don't have algebraic labels. Also, see the board vision drills on chess.com 
For myself, I just have one of those cheap PVC folding tournament boards in green/off-white combined with a set of double-weighted wooden Staunton design pieces I bought on eBay. But mostly I use a computer (Chessbase, chess.com etc).
If a travel set for analysis is desired - go smaller.
COlor- got it. Thanks. Makes sense. Even the browns are easier to distinguish than the black and white.
Jones3-- I know they aren't official tournament sizes, and since I won't be playing with people in person, just myself at a desk or in bed, mapping out games I'm studying in a book, etc... or the odd game if I can convince my brother... I prefer a smaller, compact set for now.
ps-- yes, I also like the smaller set as I can "take it in" better, much like viewing it on the computer or in a book - it's almost like comparable sizing.
Dan - thanks. I thought about a set in a tube, but I think my focus is going to be on smaller.., for now. I may find that change as I get learning, but for now, as a learning tool, knowing I prefer compact things, I think I'll stick with that (bookmark this as I'm sure you'll want to remind me of this when I'm buying a white & green fold up...)
Actually, regarding computers.., I almost managed to snag a vintage Tandy Computerized Chess set !
So, Here are 3 different sets. One wood (9.4" but smallest squares because of the large borders), the other two plastic (9.8" black and 9.4" brown).
All are roughly same size, 9.4-9.8", with 1.75-2" tall King.
All are within $10 of each other.
Interested to see what folks like the most (purely subjective I know, just getting other opinions.)