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Head-to-head · Chess Learning Apps

Lichess vs chesstactics

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Lichess #2 in Chess Learning Apps 9.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 5 of 5 features Visit Lichess
chesstactics #7 in Chess Learning Apps 7.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit 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 · 9.1/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresLichess · 5 of 5

Lichess scores higher on our rubric for chess learning apps: 9.1 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 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 9.1/10 Visit ↗ chesstactics 7.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 7.6
Ranking #2 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 Free plan €59 one-time
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Community, Docs Email
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
  • 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
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
  • Free access limits puzzles, sprints and practice to daily amounts
  • Free accounts can scan only their last 20 games
  • Does not include opening training
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 →
  1. LichessChess Learning Apps 9.1Free plan
  2. chesstacticsChess Learning Apps 7.6Free plan

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

More comparisons

All chess learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update