Lichess
by lichess.org · Games · Puzzle
Free, open-source chess platform with no ads, no premium tiers, and all features available to everyone.
Quick Answer: Lichess has a verified Real Score of 4.5/5 based on 22,250 verified reviews, compared to its App Store rating of 4.7/5. Highly recommended by verified users.
Real Score vs App Store Rating
App Store Rating
Includes unverified reviews
Verified Real Score
Based on 22,250 verified reviews
Gap Alert: Lichess's App Store rating is 0.2 points higher than its verified Real Score. This suggests that some store reviews may be inflated by fake or incentivized ratings.
Pros & Cons
What Users Love
- Completely free forever
- No ads whatsoever
- Open source and transparent
- All features unlocked for everyone
Common Complaints
- Smaller player base than Chess.com
- Interface less polished
- Fewer learning resources
- Community is smaller
Verified Reviews (20)
Free open-source chess perfection
Every feature free, no ads, no paywalls, no data selling. Lichess proves that ethical software can compete. The gold standard for how apps should work.
Unlimited analysis for free
Full Stockfish analysis on every game for free. Chess.com charges $99/year for this. Lichess gives it to everyone. The value is unmatched.
Smaller but dedicated community
The player base is smaller than Chess.com but arguably more dedicated. Less casual players means more serious games at every rating level.
Interface is functional not pretty
The interface prioritizes function over form. Everything works well but it lacks the visual polish of Chess.com. Substance over style approach.
Donation-funded model works
Lichess is funded by donations and it works. No compromise on features, no ads, no premium tiers. Proof that the freemium model isnt the only way.
Puzzle storm is addictive
The timed puzzle rush mode where you solve as many tactical puzzles as possible in 3 minutes is incredibly addictive. Perfect quick chess workout.
Studies feature is unique
The studies feature for creating and sharing interactive chess lessons is unique to Lichess. Perfect for coaches and students.
Fewer cheaters than Chess.com
The anti-cheat system works well and the smaller community means fewer cheaters overall. Game integrity is better maintained.
Open source means transparency
The code is open source so you can verify theres no manipulation of matchmaking or ratings. Complete transparency that proprietary apps cant offer.
Tournament system is great
The arena and Swiss tournament systems are well-implemented. Weekly tournaments with players of all levels are exciting and competitive.
Board editor and analysis
The board editor for setting up positions and the analysis board for studying are powerful tools. Available to everyone for free.
Internet should be more like Lichess
Free, ad-free, open-source, community-funded. Lichess represents what the internet was supposed to be. Supporting them with a donation feels right.
Speed and performance
The app is fast and lightweight. No bloat, no unnecessary features, no loading screens. Opens instantly and connects to games quickly.
Practice against Stockfish
Playing against the Stockfish engine at various difficulty levels is great for practice. Adjustable AI difficulty means it grows with you.
Ethics in gaming
In a world of predatory gaming monetization, Lichess stands as a beacon of ethical software. No dark patterns, no manipulation, just chess.
Team battles are exciting
The team battles where chess clubs compete in real-time are thrilling. Team spirit combined with individual chess performance.
Crazyhouse and variants
The variant chess options (Crazyhouse, King of the Hill, Atomic) are fun diversions from standard chess. More variant options than Chess.com.
Correspondence chess done well
Long-format correspondence chess with days per move is well-implemented. Perfect for thoughtful chess when you dont have time for real-time games.
Deserves every donation
I donate monthly to Lichess because this service deserves to exist and thrive. The best free software on the internet, funded by grateful users.
The peoples chess platform
Lichess democratizes chess. Every feature available to every player regardless of ability to pay. Chess for the people, by the people.
Showing 1-20 of 12,847 reviews
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Last updated: April 2026