Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps
Lichess vs chesstactics
Lichess leads on 1 check, chesstactics 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 · 8.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresLichess · 5 of 5
Lichess scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 8.2 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Lichess offers opening training; chesstactics doesn't.
Lichess is the better fit for learners who want broad, free chess training. chesstactics is the better fit for tactics learners reviewing their own games.
- Lichess fits best
Learners who want broad, free chess training
- chesstactics fits best
Tactics learners reviewing their own games
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Side by side
| Feature | Lichess 8.2/10 Visit ↗ | chesstactics 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.2 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #3 in Chess Learning Apps | #7 in Chess Learning Apps |
| Best for | Learners who want broad, free chess training | Tactics learners reviewing their own games |
| Pricing model | Free | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| 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, Small business |
| Features Lichess 5/5 · chesstactics 4/5 | ||
| Structured lessons | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tactics and puzzles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Game analysis | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile apps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opening training | ✓ (best) | — |
| Specs | ||
| Training modes | Chess basics, practice exercises, puzzles, puzzle themes, puzzle streak, puzzle storm, puzzle racer, studies, opening explorer | lessons, drills, hidden-theme tests, rated puzzles, sprints, spaced repetition |
| 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 → |
chesstactics is a chess tactics training app for beginners and improving players who want practice organized around recognizable motifs and their own games. Its journeys pair lessons with announced-theme drills and hidden-theme tests,… 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
chesstactics — where it wins
- Turns missed tactics in Chess.com and Lichess games into replayable puzzles
- Combines 40 tactical motifs with lessons, drills and hidden-theme tests
- Free tier plus a €59 one-time lifetime Pro option
Where it doesn't
- Free access limits puzzles, sprints and practice to daily amounts
- Free accounts can scan only their last 20 games
- Does not include opening training
- Lichess8.2/10 · Free plan
A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools.
Visit LichessFull verdict → - chesstactics7.4/10 · Free plan · paid from €59
Motif lessons and missed-tactic puzzles focus training on your own play.
Visit chesstacticsFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
Last updated · How we research and update