Lichess
Lichess: A free, broad chess learning hub with puzzles, analysis, studies, and opening tools. Ranked #3 of 29 in Chess Learning Apps by our editors (8.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for learners who want broad, free chess training.
At a glance
- Editor score8.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLearners who want broad, free chess training
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Structured lessonsYes
- Founded2010 · La Mure, Grenoble, France
- Facts checked28 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Lichess
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 web, iOS, Android, API, and self-hosted deployments, while the organization states that every feature remains free for everyone and that the service operates without ads.
Its strongest case is breadth. Learners can move from interactive chess basics and practice exercises into puzzles, puzzle themes, puzzle streak, puzzle storm, puzzle racer, collaborative studies, and opening exploration. Computer analysis uses Stockfish, and the opening explorer and reference pages add context around moves and positions. Playing against the computer and reviewing annotated games help keep practice in one service rather than splitting study across separate tools. The open-source model also gives developers an API and a self-hosting route.
The trade-off is focus and support style. A learner looking for a tightly sequenced lesson curriculum may find the range of modes less directed than a lesson-only app. Self-hosting adds flexibility, but that path is most relevant to users comfortable managing their own deployment. Support is centered on community and documentation, consistent with a volunteer-maintained service. Choose Lichess if you want extensive chess practice, analysis, and study tools without a subscription; consider another app if guided instruction or direct support is your main requirement.
Lichess pricing
Lichess fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Structured lessons | Yes |
| Tactics and puzzles | Yes |
| Game analysis | Yes |
| Training modes | Chess basics, practice exercises, puzzles, puzzle themes, puzzle streak, puzzle storm, puzzle racer, studies, opening explorer |
| Mobile apps | Yes |
| Opening training | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | lichess.org |
| Facts checked | 28 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Lichess
- Chess.comA broad chess learning platform that combines lessons, puzzles, play and game analysis.9.0
- ChessKidA child-focused chess platform that combines lessons, puzzles, play, and teacher tools.8.3
- ChessableA broad chess-learning platform centered on scheduled practice and interactive courses.7.9
See all Lichess alternatives →
Lichess vs the competition
- Lichess vs Chess.com
- Lichess vs ChessKid
- Lichess vs Chessable
- Lichess vs Chess Tempo
- Lichess vs Aimchess
- Lichess vs chesstactics
Compare Lichess with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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