Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps
Lichess vs ChessKid
Lichess leads on 0 checks, ChessKid 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 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.
Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training. ChessKid is the better fit for children, families, and chess teachers.
- Lichess fits best
Learners who want broad, free chess training
- ChessKid fits best
Children, families, and chess teachers
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Side by side
| Feature | Lichess 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | ChessKid 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #2 in Chess Learning Apps | #3 in Chess Learning Apps |
| Best for | Learners who want broad, free chess training | Children, families, and chess teachers |
| 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 | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Lichess 5/5 · ChessKid 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 | interactive lessons, video lessons, puzzles, Puzzle Duel, workouts, vision training, game review |
| 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 → |
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 → |
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
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
- Lichess9.1/10 · Free plan
A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.
Visit LichessFull verdict → - ChessKid8.8/10 · Free plan
A child-focused chess platform that combines lessons, puzzles, play, and teacher tools.
Visit ChessKidFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Lichess vs Chessable
- Lichess vs Aimchess
- Lichess vs chesstactics
- Lichess vs Reflex Chess
- ChessKid vs Chess Tempo
All chess learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
Last updated · How we research and update