Chess.com vs Forward Chess
The default home of online chess. Interactive chess ebook reader with embedded engine.
| Chess.com | Forward Chess | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free · from $6.99/mo | Free |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS |
| Audience | beginner, intermediate, advanced | intermediate, advanced, expert |
| Languages | EN, ES, FR, DE, PT, RU | EN, ES, FR, DE, IT, PT |
| Features | ||
| Play online | ||
| Play bots | ||
| Local pass-and-play | ||
| Tactics puzzles | ||
| Opening trainer | ||
| Endgame trainer | ||
| Spaced repetition | ||
| Video lessons | ||
| Live coaching | ||
| Engine analysis | ||
| Board scanner (OCR) | ||
| Opening repertoire | ||
| Cloud sync | ||
| Offline mode | ||
| Kid-safe | ||
| Tournaments | ||
| Rating system | ||
| Correspondence chess | ||
| Chess variants | ||
| Study & share | ||
| AI coach | ||
| Streaming-ready | ||
| Game database | ||
Pick Chess.com if…
- Largest active community — instant matchmaking at any hour
- Deeply integrated ecosystem (lessons, courses, coaches, tournaments)
- Strong mobile apps on both platforms
- Content library unmatched in volume
Pick Forward Chess if…
- 800+ titles from top chess publishers
- Stockfish embedded for instant move checking
- Excellent guess-the-move and position trainer
- Owns-forever model, no subscription lock-in
FAQ
- Is Chess.com better than Forward Chess?
- Neither is strictly "better" — they serve different priorities. Chess.com excels at: Largest active community — instant matchmaking at any hour. Forward Chess excels at: 800+ titles from top chess publishers. Pick based on the job you want done.
- Is Chess.com free?
- Chess.com has a free tier. Paid plans unlock: Annual plans discounted. Free tier includes unlimited play and limited puzzles/lessons..
- Is Forward Chess free?
- Forward Chess has a free tier. Paid plans unlock: App is free to install with free sample chapters; books sold individually, typically $10–$30. ChessPublishing subscription available $19.99–$99.99/year..
- On what platforms are Chess.com and Forward Chess available?
- Chess.com runs on Web, iOS, Android. Forward Chess runs on Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
- Who should use Chess.com vs Forward Chess?
- Chess.com is aimed at beginner, intermediate, advanced. Forward Chess targets intermediate, advanced, expert. Our take: try the one whose audience description fits you.