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Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps

Chess.com vs Lichess

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Chess.com #1 in Chess Learning Apps 9.0/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Chess.com
Lichess #3 in Chess Learning Apps 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Lichess

Chess.com leads on 0 checks, Lichess on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreChess.com · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

Chess.com scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 9.0 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #3.

Chess.com is the better fit for learners wanting an all-in-one chess platform. Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training.

  • Chess.com fits best

    Learners wanting an all-in-one chess platform

  • Lichess fits best

    Learners who want broad, free chess training

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. It never changes our verdict. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Chess.com 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Lichess 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.2
Ranking #1 in Chess Learning Apps #3 in Chess Learning Apps
Best for Learners wanting an all-in-one chess platform Learners who want broad, free chess training
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free
Starting price Not published Not published
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Live chat, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features Chess.com 5/5 · Lichess 5/5
Structured lessons ✓ ✓
Tactics and puzzles ✓ ✓
Game analysis ✓ ✓
Mobile apps ✓ ✓
Opening training ✓ ✓
Specs
Training modes master games, openings, drills, custom positions Chess basics, practice exercises, puzzles, puzzle themes, puzzle streak, puzzle storm, puzzle racer, studies, opening explorer
Our review
Pros
  • Combines structured lessons, tactical puzzles and several practice modes.
  • Game Review pairs move classifications and accuracy with coach explanations.
  • Play against people or bots across web, iOS and Android.
  • All features are free across web and mobile apps
  • Combines puzzles, basics, studies, openings, and Stockfish analysis
  • Open-source code supports self-hosting and API access
Cons
  • Premium trial requires a payment method.
  • Premium pricing varies by location and is shown at checkout.
  • Its broad mix may be more than learners seeking only one focused training tool need.
  • Volunteer maintenance makes support community- and documentation-led
  • The many training modes may feel less focused than a lesson-only app
  • Self-hosting flexibility is most useful for technically comfortable users
Our verdict

Chess.com brings online chess games together with learning and practice tools for players who want one place to study and play. Its lessons cover openings, strategy and tactics, while puzzles, configurable bots and practice modes give…

Read the review →

Lichess is a free, open-source chess server for people who want to play, study, and improve. It suits solo learners and small groups seeking a broad training environment alongside online games, tournaments, and broadcasts. Access spans the…

Read the review →
  1. Chess.comChess Learning Apps 9.0Free plan · 7-day trial
  2. LichessChess Learning Apps 8.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Chess.com — where it wins

    • Combines structured lessons, tactical puzzles and several practice modes.
    • Game Review pairs move classifications and accuracy with coach explanations.
    • Play against people or bots across web, iOS and Android.

    Where it doesn't

    • Premium trial requires a payment method.
    • Premium pricing varies by location and is shown at checkout.
    • Its broad mix may be more than learners seeking only one focused training tool need.

  • Lichess — where it wins

    • All features are free across web and mobile apps
    • Combines puzzles, basics, studies, openings, and Stockfish analysis
    • Open-source code supports self-hosting and API access

    Where it doesn't

    • Volunteer maintenance makes support community- and documentation-led
    • The many training modes may feel less focused than a lesson-only app
    • Self-hosting flexibility is most useful for technically comfortable users
  • Chess.com9.0/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A broad chess learning platform that combines lessons, puzzles, play and game analysis.

    Visit Chess.comFull verdict →
  • Lichess8.2/10 · Free plan

    A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.

    Visit LichessFull verdict →

More comparisons

All chess learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update