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Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps

ChessKid vs Lichess

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score ChessKid #2 in Chess Learning Apps 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit ChessKid
Lichess #3 in Chess Learning Apps 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Lichess

ChessKid 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 scoreChessKid · 8.3/10
  • Free planboth

ChessKid scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 8.3 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

ChessKid is the better fit for children, families, and chess teachers. Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training.

  • ChessKid fits best

    Children, families, and chess teachers

  • 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 ChessKid 8.3/10 Visit ↗ Lichess 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.3 8.2
Ranking #2 in Chess Learning Apps #3 in Chess Learning Apps
Best for Children, families, and chess teachers 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 Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features ChessKid 5/5 · Lichess 5/5
Structured lessons ✓ ✓
Tactics and puzzles ✓ ✓
Game analysis ✓ ✓
Mobile apps ✓ ✓
Opening training ✓ ✓
Specs
Training modes interactive lessons, video lessons, puzzles, Puzzle Duel, workouts, vision training, game review Chess basics, practice exercises, puzzles, puzzle themes, puzzle streak, puzzle storm, puzzle racer, studies, opening explorer
Our review
Pros
  • Pairs interactive and video lessons with puzzles and practice modes
  • Game Review classifies moves and provides accuracy statistics and engine evaluations
  • Teacher classroom planner includes objectives, videos, and worksheets
  • 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
  • Basic limits puzzle access to 3 per day and restricts videos and puzzle duels
  • Gold pricing is not stated here, making plan cost hard to compare
  • Some training and account-management features are browser-only
  • 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

ChessKid brings chess play and learning tools together for children, families, teachers, and coaches. Available on the web, iOS, and Android, it offers play against other children or chess bots alongside interactive lessons, videos,…

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. ChessKidChess Learning Apps 8.3Free plan
  2. LichessChess Learning Apps 8.2Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ChessKid — where it wins

    • Pairs interactive and video lessons with puzzles and practice modes
    • Game Review classifies moves and provides accuracy statistics and engine evaluations
    • Teacher classroom planner includes objectives, videos, and worksheets

    Where it doesn't

    • Basic limits puzzle access to 3 per day and restricts videos and puzzle duels
    • Gold pricing is not stated here, making plan cost hard to compare
    • Some training and account-management features are browser-only

  • 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

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