Lichess review

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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 pros and cons

• 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

Lichess fact sheet, pricing and score →

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.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update