Lichess vs Chess.com: Which Online Chess Platform Is Right for You?

Online chess has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and two giants have emerged as the go-to platforms for players around the world: Lichess and Chess.com. Whether you're a beginner just learning the rules or a seasoned tournament player, choosing the right platform can enhance your experience and help you grow faster as a player.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at both platforms, comparing their features, strengths, and what kind of players each one suits best.

1. Overview

Lichess.org

• Founded: 2010 by Thibault Duplessis

• Cost: 100% free, open-source, ad-free

• Community: Strong among programmers, educators, and minimalist fans

Chess.com

• Founded: 2007

• Cost: Freemium model (free account with premium options)

• Community: Broad appeal including casual players, titled professionals, and streamers

2. User Interface & Experience

Lichess

• Clean, minimalist interface

• Extremely fast and responsive gameplay

• Dark mode and customization options

• No ads — ever

Chess.com

• Sleek, modern design with richer visuals

• More vibrant animations, sound effects, and board styles

• Some users may find it slightly cluttered due to ads (for free accounts)

Verdict:
If you like simplicity and speed, Lichess may appeal more. For those who enjoy a more interactive and animated experience, Chess.com delivers.

3. Game Modes & Features

Lichess

• Bullet, blitz, rapid, classical, correspondence

• Chess variants: Crazyhouse, Atomic, Horde, Antichess, and more

• Custom positions and studies

• Puzzles and puzzle streaks

• Unlimited cloud analysis with Stockfish

Chess.com

• Similar range of time controls

• Popular chess variants: Bughouse, 3-check, 4-player chess, and more

• Lessons, bots, and themed puzzles

• Puzzle Rush and Puzzle Battle

• Video library and top player content

Verdict:
Chess.com shines with its wide educational content and gamified puzzles. Lichess, however, excels with its variant diversity and open tools.

4. Learning Tools

Lichess

• Free tactics trainer and puzzles

• Studies (shared interactive lessons)

• Opening explorer and cloud analysis

• No paywall on any feature

Chess.com

• Extensive video library (some premium only)

• Personalized lessons

• Adaptive puzzle trainer

• AI analysis with game review (limited for free users)

Verdict:
For serious learners on a budget, Lichess offers incredible value. For players willing to pay, Chess.com provides a more structured and guided learning experience.

5. Community & Social

Lichess

• Open-source community with a collaborative spirit

• Strong integration with streamers and events like Titled Arenas

• No private messages (for moderation reasons)

Chess.com

• Large active user base

• Clubs, forums, events, and tournaments

• Social tools like friend requests, messaging, and live commentary

Verdict:
Chess.com leads in social features and community engagement, while Lichess stays focused on clean, distraction-free play.

6. Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Conclusion

Both Lichess and Chess.com are excellent platforms, and the good news is — you don’t have to choose just one! Many chess players use both depending on their mood or goals. Want to grind puzzles and lessons? Head to Chess.com. Want to try Atomic or study with zero distractions? Fire up Lichess.

In the end, the best chess site is the one that keeps you excited about the game.

Check them out:

• https://lichess.org

• https://chess.com