Best Free Chess Apps
You do not need to spend a penny to play and learn chess. Here are the best free options.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: One of the most wonderful things about chess in 2026 is that cost is no barrier. You can access world-class tools, play opponents from every country, and learn from structured lessons — all without spending a dime. Lichess proved that a free model can work beautifully.
Overview
Chess has never been more accessible. Multiple platforms offer genuinely excellent free experiences, and you can go from knowing nothing about the game to being a competent club player without ever entering a credit card number.
This guide focuses specifically on what you can access for free. We are not interested in "free trials" that expire or "free tiers" that nag you to upgrade every five minutes. We want to highlight platforms where the free experience is genuinely good enough to learn and improve.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Lichess | Chess.com Free | Old School Chess | Lucas Chess |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Play | Unlimited | Unlimited | Learning-focused | Offline only |
| Puzzles | Unlimited | Limited daily | Curated | Included |
| Analysis | Full Stockfish | Basic | Coach-guided | Engine included |
| Ads | None | Yes | None | None |
| Mobile | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Restrictions | None | Feature limits | None in free tier | Desktop only |
Detailed Review
Lichess stands alone in the free category. There is simply nothing else like it: a full-featured chess platform with analysis, puzzles, tournaments, studies, and play — all free, all the time, with no ads. If you are looking for the best free chess experience, Lichess is the answer.
Chess.com's free tier is more limited but still useful. You get unlimited games, a handful of puzzles per day, and access to some lessons. The app quality is excellent even without paying. For many casual players, the free tier is sufficient.
Old School Chess provides free coaching to help you get started. The guided experience is different from what you will find on play-focused platforms — it is about understanding rather than just playing.
Lucas Chess is a hidden gem for desktop users. It is a free, offline application that lets you play against engines at various strength levels and includes training features. It is not as polished as the major platforms, but it is completely free and very capable.
Who Should Use What?
If you want one free app that does everything, choose Lichess. It is the most complete free chess platform ever built.
If you want the largest community and do not mind some limitations, Chess.com's free tier gives you access to millions of opponents.
If you are a beginner who wants guidance rather than just tools, Old School Chess's free coaching can help you build a foundation.
If you prefer offline play and desktop software, Lucas Chess is a solid free option for training against engines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lichess really free? What is the catch?
There is no catch. Lichess is a non-profit funded entirely by voluntary donations. The founder made a deliberate choice to keep everything free and open-source.
How does Chess.com's free tier compare to Lichess?
Lichess offers more features for free. Chess.com's free tier limits puzzles, analysis, and lessons, while Lichess has no restrictions. However, Chess.com has a much larger player base.
Can I really improve at chess without paying for anything?
Absolutely. Lichess alone provides everything you need: unlimited games, full engine analysis, thousands of puzzles, and community studies. Many strong players trained entirely on free resources.
Professor Archer says: Never let anyone tell you that you need to pay to get good at chess. The resources available for free today are better than what grandmasters had access to just twenty years ago. All you need to bring is curiosity and persistence.
Quick Quiz
Which chess platform offers every feature completely free with no restrictions?
- Chess.com - Chess.com has a free tier, but many features like unlimited puzzles and full analysis require a paid subscription.
- Lichess (Correct) - Correct. Lichess offers every feature to every user for free. There is no premium tier, no ads, and no feature restrictions.
- Chess Tempo - Chess Tempo has a free tier but also offers a premium subscription with additional features.
- All chess apps have some paid features - Lichess is the notable exception. Every feature on Lichess is available to every user at no cost.