Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps
Lichess vs Chess Tempo
Lichess leads on 1 check, Chess Tempo on 0, and 5 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
- Most featuresLichess · 5 of 5
Lichess scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 9.1 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
Lichess offers structured lessons; Chess Tempo doesn't.
Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training. Chess Tempo is the better fit for players seeking deep training on a budget.
- Lichess fits best
Learners who want broad, free chess training
- Chess Tempo fits best
Players seeking deep training on a budget
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Side by side
| Feature | Lichess 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Chess Tempo 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #2 in Chess Learning Apps | #4 in Chess Learning Apps |
| Best for | Learners who want broad, free chess training | Players seeking deep training on a budget |
| 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 | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Lichess 5/5 · Chess Tempo 4/5 | ||
| Structured lessons | ✓ (best) | — |
| 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 | tactics puzzles; endgame practice; opening repertoire practice; spaced repetition; review in order; least recent/unseen first; guess the move |
| Our review | ||
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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 → |
Chess Tempo brings training, play, and study into one online service for players who want more than puzzle practice alone. Its tools cover tactics, opening repertoires, endgames, master-game move selection, game analysis, and interactive… 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
Chess Tempo — where it wins
- Free tactics, online games, and a game database
- Opening repertoires with spaced-repetition practice
- Includes endgames, engine analysis, and master-game study
Where it doesn't
- A lesson library is not part of the offering
- Advanced engine-analysis capacity depends on paid tiers
- Community is the listed support channel
- Lichess9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.
Visit LichessFull verdict → - Chess Tempo7.9/10 · Free plan
A broad chess-training toolkit with free access and paid tiers for deeper study.
Visit Chess TempoFull verdict →
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All chess learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update