Lichess alternatives: 3 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave Lichess: fewer structured lessons and video courses than Chess.com, and server-side deep analysis is capped at 40 games a day. We ranked 3 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Lichess, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. PlayOK currently ranks first.
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Show all 3 alternativesThe best Lichess alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best Lichess alternative for most people
PlayOKLightweight site for casual chess that also offers draughts, backgammon and card games.
Best Lichess alternative for a free option
PlayOKLightweight site for casual chess that also offers draughts, backgammon and card games.
Best Lichess alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
Chess.comLarger player base plus guided lessons, bots with personalities and a coach mode, with a paid tier.
Best Lichess alternative for iPhone and Android
Chess.comLarger player base plus guided lessons, bots with personalities and a coach mode, with a paid tier.
Best Lichess alternative for working in the browser
Board Game ArenaGood if your group wants chess and many modern board games in one place.
Lichess alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to Lichess?
PlayOK ranks first right now. Lightweight site for casual chess that also offers draughts, backgammon and card games. Chess.com and Board Game Arena follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to Lichess?
Yes. PlayOK (free), Chess.com (free plan + paid) and Board Game Arena (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to Lichess?
None of the 3 alternatives in this list is open source.
Why do people switch from Lichess?
The complaints we hear most: fewer structured lessons and video courses than Chess.com; server-side deep analysis is capped at 40 games a day; relies on donations rather than a paid support team.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Lichess, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.