Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps
Lichess vs Aimchess
Lichess leads on 0 checks, Aimchess 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 scoreLichess · 9.1/10
- Free planboth
Lichess scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 9.1 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training. Aimchess is the better fit for players who want training from their own games.
- Lichess fits best
Learners who want broad, free chess training
- Aimchess fits best
Players who want training from their own games
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Side by side
| Feature | Lichess 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Aimchess 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in Chess Learning Apps | #6 in Chess Learning Apps |
| Best for | Learners who want broad, free chess training | Players who want training from their own games |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Lichess 5/5 · Aimchess 5/5 | ||
| Structured lessons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tactics and puzzles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Game analysis | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opening training | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Training modes | Chess basics, practice exercises, puzzles, puzzle themes, puzzle streak, puzzle storm, puzzle racer, studies, opening explorer | personalized study plans, daily warm-ups, tactics puzzles, blindfold tactics, visualization, opening practice, endgames, defense, time trainer, retry mistakes, blunder prevention, intuition trainer, 360 Trainer, checkmate flashcards |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
Aimchess is a chess learning service that analyzes online games and turns recurring patterns into personalized practice. It is suited to players who want training tied to their own decisions rather than a general lesson sequence. Reports… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
Aimchess — where it wins
- Personalized plans and drills target mistakes from your online games.
- Connects Chess.com, Lichess, and Chess24 accounts.
- Covers tactics, openings, endgames, visualization, and time management.
Where it doesn't
- Standard limits analysis to 40 game reports per month.
- Premium analysis covers the last 1,000 online games.
- Support is provided through email.
- Lichess9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.
Visit LichessFull verdict → - Aimchess7.7/10 · Free plan
A game-linked chess trainer with adaptive practice, reports, and focused drills.
Visit AimchessFull verdict →
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All chess learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update