Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps
Lichess vs Chessable
Lichess leads on 0 checks, Chessable 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
- Free trialonly Chessable
Lichess scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 9.1 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #5.
Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training. Chessable is the better fit for course learners who value spaced repetition.
- Lichess fits best
Learners who want broad, free chess training
- Chessable fits best
Course learners who value spaced repetition
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Lichess 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Chessable 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Chess Learning Apps | #5 in Chess Learning Apps |
| Best for | Learners who want broad, free chess training | Course learners who value spaced repetition |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Free plan | — |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Lichess 5/5 · Chessable 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 | MoveTrainer spaced repetition; video courses; priority lines; Puzzle Connect tactics; Stockfish analysis |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
Chessable is an online chess-learning platform for beginners through grandmasters, with interactive courses covering openings, tactics and endgames. Its MoveTrainer system schedules spaced-repetition practice, while Puzzle Connect supports… 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
Chessable — where it wins
- MoveTrainer schedules review across openings, tactics and endgames
- Interactive courses, Puzzle Connect and Stockfish analysis in one service
- Web, desktop and mobile apps with Chess.com and Lichess connections
Where it doesn't
- Offline course and video downloads require a PRO membership
- Paid options add a subscription decision beyond individual courses
- Support is provided through email and ticket channels
- Lichess9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.
Visit LichessFull verdict → - Chessable7.8/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial
A broad chess-learning platform centered on scheduled practice and interactive courses.
Visit ChessableFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Chess.com vs Lichess
- Chess.com vs Chessable
- Lichess vs ChessKid
- Lichess vs Chess Tempo
- Lichess vs Aimchess
- Lichess vs chesstactics
- Lichess vs Reflex Chess
- ChessKid vs Chessable
All chess learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update