The best Chess.com alternatives in 2026

1. 1

   Lichess

   Free, open-source chess with no ads and no paywalls 8.9 +0.4 vs Chess.com
   • More private +2.6
   • Better value +2.3
   • Weaker design -0.8
   • Fewer features -0.5

   Best for: Chess players who want serious tools without ads or subscriptions

   Chess.com vs Lichess Read review
2. 2

   Wingspan

   The award-winning bird board game, beautifully digitized 8.9 +0.3 vs Chess.com
   • More private +2.2
   • Better value +0.8
   • Fewer features -0.6
   • Better design +0.4

   Best for: Board gamers and nature lovers who enjoy slow, satisfying strategy

   Chess.com vs Wingspan Read review
3. 3

   Ticket to Ride

   Claim train routes across the map in the board game classic 8.3 -0.3 vs Chess.com
   • More private +1.0
   • Fewer features -0.9
   • Slower -0.6

   Best for: Families and friends who want an easy board game to play together remotely

   Chess.com vs Ticket to Ride Read review
4. 4

   Balatro

   Poker hands, wild Jokers and runs you can't put down 9.2 +0.6 vs Chess.com
   • Better value +2.0
   • More private +1.6
   • Better design +0.4
   • Faster +0.4

   Best for: Card game fans who love building combos and chasing high scores

   Chess.com vs Balatro Read review
5. 5

   Slay the Spire

   Build a deck, climb the Spire, try again smarter 9.0 +0.4 vs Chess.com
   • More private +3.2
   • Better value +1.8
   • Weaker design -0.8
   • Slower -0.6

   Best for: Strategy fans who enjoy planning a deck one careful pick at a time

   Chess.com vs Slay the Spire Read review
6. 6

   Marvel Snap

   Three-minute Marvel card battles with a bluffing twist 7.8 -0.7 vs Chess.com
   • Worse value -1.4
   • Slower -0.8
   • Less private -0.8
   • Fewer features -0.7

   Best for: Marvel fans who want fast, tactical card battles on the go

   Chess.com vs Marvel Snap Read review
7. 7

   Pokémon TCG Pocket

   Open free packs daily and battle with Pokémon cards 7.8 -0.7 vs Chess.com
   • Worse value -1.8
   • Fewer features -1.1
   • Less private -0.8
   • Slower -0.4

   Best for: Pokémon fans who love collecting cards and quick battles

   Chess.com vs Pokémon TCG Pocket Read review

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Still deciding on Chess.com?Read our full review, pros and cons.