For every online chess player, picking where to play between two of the best chess websites in the world—Lichess and Chess.com—can be challenging.
In this article, we will explore the features, pricing, gameplay tools, community aspects, and overall user experience of both websites.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player years into your chess career, knowing the pros and cons of the two platforms can help you select the right one for your chess journey.
Platform Overview: Features and User Interface
Both Chess.com and Lichess provide a simplified and interactive interface and offer a wide range of features tailored to players of all rating levels.
However, each website has a unique philosophy and specific features that can be distinct across sites, influencing the platform’s user experience.
Chess.com: A Comprehensive Chess Experience
Chess.com boasts a visually unique and appealing interface, designed to cater to players of all levels. Key features include:
- Smooth Layout: Chess.com offers a user-friendly layout with a dashboard that is easy to navigate across lessons, puzzles, community activities, and live games. The site’s modern design enables users to access features quickly and intuitively, reducing the risk of feeling overwhelmed.
- Interactive features: Chess.com also offers a wide range of interactive tools, such as live chats, forums, and game analysis boards, facilitating an engaging experience on the platform. The platform also supports tournaments and live commentaries for events.
- Enhanced learning tools: One of Chess.com’s most notable features is its vast library of video lessons, puzzles, and games. The site also offers puzzle features, such as Puzzle Rush and Puzzle Battle.
- Mobile and desktop support: The responsive design allows a consistent experience across various devices and is fully supported by mobile, Android, iOS, and other platforms, making it easy to play a game anytime, anywhere. Chess.com also works seamlessly with electronic boards like Chess Up 2.
Lichess: Open-Source and Community Driven
In contrast to Chess.com, Lichess takes a different approach, emphasising simplicity, a robust community, and worldwide accessibility.
- Streamlined Interface: Lichess has a clean and minimalistic design, emphasising streamlined gameplay and analysis without clutter. Lichess’s layout is optimised for speed and efficiency.
- Robust Analysis Tools: Lichess interviews a powerful analysis feature that allows users to use Stockfish to review their games. It even offers options like opening and game databases at no cost.
- Membership and Pricing: Open-sourced, free to use.
Chess.com: Premium Membership Benefits
In addition to the website’s free features, Chess.com Premium membership unlocks even more in-depth analysis and exclusive tournament and training content to enhance your online chess experience.
Lichess: The Power of Free and Open-Source
One of Lichess’s biggest strengths is its commitment to being free and offering all chess players a high-quality, ad-free experience. This makes it a fantastic option for players who are new to online chess.
Lichess is totally open source, so the site code is fully accessible to anyone who wants to review or contribute to it.
This transparency builds trust and encourages continuous community-led innovation. It also allows other websites to be built using Lichess’s underlying codes.
Gameplay and Analysis Tools: A Deep Dive
The tools on each platform can make an enormous difference in improving your chess. We’ve spent time on both Chess.com and Lichess and found unique features peculiar to each site’s chess experience.
Chess.com: Training and Learning Resources
Imagine having a training centre designed just for your chess journey. That’s what Chess.com feels like.
- Fun Puzzles and Lessons: Whether you’re just starting or are already a regular, the puzzles and video lessons on Chess.com can challenge you and keep you engaged. I’ve spent hours working through puzzles that feel like brain teasers crafted by a friend.
- Game Analysis: Ever wonder where you slipped up in a game? After every match, Chess.com gives you a detailed breakdown. It’s like having a coach point out your mistakes and suggest better moves—an honest review that helps you grow. Chess.com also has a broader range of engine options available.
- Exciting Tournaments: The live tournaments are a blast if you love a bit of competition. The thrill of testing new strategies in real time and watching high-profile games unfold adds a layer of excitement that keeps you coming back to play.
- Tailored Training and Lessons: What’s cool is how Chess.com has learning resources for players of all levels. You can easily set personalised training plans using the Chess.com Insight tool that helps you track your progress and spot your weak spots.
- Play Anywhere: Their mobile app is as smooth as the desktop version, so your chess training doesn’t have to wait, whether on a commute or just lounging at home.
Lichess: Powerful Analysis and Engine Access
If you appreciate simplicity and a cost-free experience without hidden fees, Lichess is straightforward, powerful, and completely free.
Receive instant feedback through Engine Analysis: Lichess uses top-notch chess engines to provide you with immediate insights and suggestions. It’s like having a sparring partner ready to show you alternative moves and help you see the bigger picture.
- Deep Dive into Openings: The opening explorer on Lichess is a valuable resource for understanding professional strategies and moves. It lets you explore various openings and understand the ideas behind them without getting lost in too much jargon.
- Clean, No-Nonsense Interface: Lichess keeps it simple. The analysis board is uncluttered, making it easy to focus on the game without distractions.
- Engine Access: Every Analysis tool is available for free. There’s no pressure to upgrade—just pure, uninterrupted chess Analysis using Stockfish.
Community and User Experience: Finding Your Chess Home
Chess.com: A Large and Active Community
Chess.com has a more extensive user base, as reflected in the site’s forums, news updates, and even streamers and content creators. Many top grandmasters play and contribute actively on the site.
Lichess: A Dedicated and Passionate User Base
A passionate user base drives Lichess tournaments, forums, and studies. This ensures that users’ new ideas and improvement help are integrated for others to use.
- Collaborative Study Mode: One of our favourite features is Lichess’s study mode. You can create your studies, share them with friends, or join group sessions. It feels like a community of chess enthusiasts all learning together.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Platform for You
Ultimately, when choosing the best chess app, choose based on your preferences. If you like a platform that offers a full suite of tailored, premium features and don’t mind investing a little for that, then Chess.com might be the perfect chess gym.
However, if you prefer straightforward, powerful, and free options, Lichess is a fantastic option.
Both platforms provide a wide range of features for users to explore. What matters most is that you’re enjoying getting better at chess.
join the conversation