Forward Chess vs Lichess
Interactive chess ebook reader with embedded engine. Free, open-source chess. Forever.
| Forward Chess | Lichess | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Free |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS | Web, iOS, Android |
| Audience | intermediate, advanced, expert | beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert |
| Languages | EN, ES, FR, DE, IT, PT | EN, ES, FR, DE, PT, RU |
| 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 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
Pick Lichess if…
- Completely free — no ads, no paywalls, no upsells
- Stockfish engine analysis available to everyone
- Excellent Studies feature for coaches and collaborative analysis
- Large library of variants and unrated training modes
FAQ
- Is Forward Chess better than Lichess?
- Neither is strictly "better" — they serve different priorities. Forward Chess excels at: 800+ titles from top chess publishers. Lichess excels at: Completely free — no ads, no paywalls, no upsells. Pick based on the job you want done.
- 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..
- Is Lichess free?
- Lichess has a free tier. Paid plans unlock: 100% free, no ads. Donations optional via Patron status..
- On what platforms are Forward Chess and Lichess available?
- Forward Chess runs on Web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS. Lichess runs on Web, iOS, Android.
- Who should use Forward Chess vs Lichess?
- Forward Chess is aimed at intermediate, advanced, expert. Lichess targets beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert. Our take: try the one whose audience description fits you.