Lichess review
Free, open-source chess with no ads and no paywalls
- Lichess.org
- Free
- iPhone & iPad, Android, Web
4.1 from 805 App Store ratings 5M+ Google Play downloads
Does it deserve #3?
Is Lichess worth it?
Yes. Lichess scores 8.9/10 and ranks #3 in Card & Board Games. It's best for chess players who want serious tools without ads or subscriptions. Skip it if you want guided video lessons and a coach that talks you through games. Price: Completely free; funded by donations, with no ads or paid features.
The verdict
Lichess gives you everything most chess apps charge for, and asks for nothing. Play live or correspondence games, join arena tournaments, grind themed puzzles or Puzzle Storm, and analyze games with the latest Stockfish, all without ads or a paywall. Offline bots now include Maia, which plays more like a human. The app is younger than Chess.com's and lighter on lessons, but it improves every few weeks.
- Live and correspondence games
- Arena tournaments
- Puzzles and Puzzle Storm
- Stockfish analysis on your phone
- Live tournament broadcasts
- Offline bots including Maia
Score breakdown
Overall = features 30% · design 20% · speed 20% · value 15% · privacy 15%. Why these weights?
What's new
- Oct 2026Snap a photo of a real board to load the position into the board editor
- Oct 2026New Learn chess basics and Practice sections
- Sep 2026Stockfish 19, plus Maia as an offline computer opponent
Privacy 9.2/10
App Store label: contact info and identifiers may be linked to you; user content, search history and diagnostics are collected but not linked. No tracking is listed.
What we like
- Everything is free, with no ads or premium tier
- Open source and funded by donations
- Strong analysis and puzzles that work offline
What could be better
- Fewer structured lessons than paid rivals
- The interface feels plainer than Chess.com's
Chess players who want serious tools without ads or subscriptions
you want guided video lessons and a coach that talks you through games
Questions about Lichess
Is Lichess worth it in 2026?
Yes. Lichess scores 8.9/10 and ranks #3 in Card & Board Games. It's best for chess players who want serious tools without ads or subscriptions. Skip it if you want guided video lessons and a coach that talks you through games. Price: Completely free; funded by donations, with no ads or paid features.
Is Lichess really free?
Yes, every feature is free and there are no ads. Lichess is open source and funded by donations from its players.
Can you play Lichess offline?
Yes. You can solve puzzles and play the computer offline, including the human-like Maia bot.
Do you need an account for Lichess?
Not for offline games, puzzles and board tools. You'll want one to play rated games and keep track of your rating.
Is Lichess safe for kids?
It's rated 4+ on the App Store and includes parental controls, though it has chat and other user-generated content.
What are the best alternatives to Lichess?
The closest alternatives are Chess.com, Wingspan and Balatro. See all of them ranked on our Lichess alternatives page.
Where does Lichess rank?
Lichess ranks #3 of 8 in our Card & Board Games ranking, with an overall score of 8.9 out of 10.