Chess.com vs Lichess: A Battle of the Best Online Chess Platforms

In the world of online chess, two platforms dominate the playing field: Chess.com and Lichess. Whether you're a casual player looking to pass the time or a seasoned grandmaster striving for perfection, these websites offer a variety of tools and experiences to help you improve and enjoy the game. But when it comes to deciding which one is the best, it's not always clear-cut. Both Chess.com and Lichess come with their own strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, the right choice depends on what you're looking for in an online chess experience.

In this blog, we will break down the features, user experiences, and pros and cons of both platforms, so you can make an informed decision on where to take your game.

 
1. User Interface and Design
Chess.com: Known for its polished, professional interface, Chess.com has a clean, modern design that’s easy to navigate. The website is visually appealing, with vibrant colors and smooth animations. The app versions are well-optimized for mobile devices, offering a consistent and responsive experience across all platforms.
Lichess: Lichess takes a simpler, more minimalist approach. The design is less flashy but still very effective. It may not have the same degree of visual polish as Chess.com, but it excels in being straightforward and user-friendly. Many players appreciate the streamlined design, especially those who prefer a distraction-free environment to focus purely on the game.
Verdict: If you're looking for a sleek, feature-packed interface with rich visual elements, Chess.com takes the lead. However, Lichess shines with its clean, no-frills design that's perfect for purists who want a simple playing experience.

 
2. Game Modes and Features
Chess.com: Chess.com offers an extensive variety of game modes and features. Whether you’re looking for bullet, blitz, classical, or correspondence chess, you’ll find it here. The platform also provides features like tournaments, chess puzzles, training, and lessons that cater to players of all skill levels. Plus, Chess.com has a social aspect with clubs, chess streams, and forums where you can connect with other players.
Lichess: Lichess isn’t far behind in terms of game modes, offering a variety of formats, including rapid, blitz, bullet, and correspondence. But where it really stands out is in its open-source nature. Lichess gives users access to a range of unique features like variant modes (e.g., Crazyhouse, Chess960, Bughouse) and the ability to play simul games (a user can play multiple opponents at once). Another notable feature is the analysis tools, which are free and fully available to all players.
Verdict: Chess.com might be the go-to platform for those looking for a highly polished, comprehensive experience with a strong social component. However, Lichess offers a unique edge with its extensive chess variants and advanced analysis tools, especially for those who prefer a no-cost experience.

 
3. Training Tools and Resources
Chess.com: Training is one of the standout features of Chess.com. The platform boasts a vast library of video lessons, articles, and interactive lessons that cover everything from basic tactics to deep strategic concepts. The puzzle rush and puzzle battle modes also make learning engaging. Additionally, Chess.com’s AI-powered analysis provides deep insights into your gameplay, pointing out mistakes and suggesting improvements.
Lichess: Lichess is also packed with fantastic training tools, and the best part is that everything is free. The platform offers tactical puzzles, studies, and opening explorers to help you sharpen your skills. For advanced players, Lichess also features a blunder-checker and game analysis with powerful engines like Stockfish. Because Lichess is open-source, there’s a strong community-driven focus on helping players improve through public studies and collaborative analysis.
Verdict: Both platforms offer excellent resources, but Chess.com may have a slight edge with its wide range of professionally made content, lessons, and interactive features. Lichess, however, holds its own with free, community-driven tools that focus on pure chess improvement without any paywalls.