When people think about online chess, Chess.com is usually the first name that comes to mind. It is the biggest chess website, well-designed, and filled with millions of players worldwide. But Chess.com is not the only option.
Many other platforms offer unique features, diverse playing styles, and communities that are just as exciting. If you are looking for variety, better tools, or simply something new, there are plenty of alternatives worth exploring.
Below, we break down the 10 best alternatives to Chess.com. Each comes with its own strengths, making them great for beginners, casual players, and even grandmasters.
- Lichess
- Internet Chess Club
- Playchess
- GameKnot
- FIDEOnline Arena
- SparkChess
- Tornelo
- RedHotPawn
- Free Internet Chess Server
- ChessTempo
1. Lichess
Lichess is a free, open-source chess platform built entirely by volunteers. It runs on donations, which means there are no ads or premium-only features.
Why It’s Good
Players love it for its clean design, fair play system, and wide range of tools. You get puzzle training, tournament play, computer analysis, and even variants like Chess960 and Crazyhouse, all completely free.
2. Internet Chess Club (ICC)
The ICC is one of the oldest online chess platforms, active since the 1990s. Many top grandmasters, the likes of Garry Kasparov, have played here.
Why It’s Good
ICC is a classic choice for players who want tradition and history. The interface may look a bit old-school, but it offers strong competition, live broadcasts, and expert commentary. Serious players who value heritage still enjoy ICC.
3. Playchess
Playchess is an online platform created by ChessBase, one of the most respected chess software companies in the world.
Why It’s Good
Playchess offers smooth gameplay, strong opponents, and direct integration with ChessBase products. It’s ideal for players who use ChessBase for preparation, analysis, or professional training.
Live tournament broadcasts and commentary also make it attractive for spectators.
4. GameKnot
GameKnot is an online chess platform that focuses heavily on long-term strategy and community.
Why It’s Good
GameKnot is well-known for its active forums, team leagues, and slower-paced games. They offer correspondence chess, where you might have days to make a move. This makes it perfect for players who enjoy in-depth calculation and don’t like the rush of blitz.
5. FIDE Online Arena
The FIDE Online Arena is the official online chess platform of FIDE, the global governing body of chess.
Why It’s Good
FIDE Online Arena is the only place where online games can earn you official FIDE online ratings and titles. It’s designed for players who want to compete under official recognition. The site also streams professional events, giving it a very formal chess atmosphere.
6. SparkChess
Sparkchess is a cool chess platform designed to be fun, colorful, and easy to use.
Why It’s Good
SparkChess is not built for professionals; it’s made for casual players and families. The graphics are bright, and the game modes are lighthearted.
It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want to enjoy chess without feeling pressured by rating points or advanced engines.
7. Tornelo
Tornelo is built for organizers interested in hosting tournaments, including prized events like Titled Tuesday.
Why It’s Good
It is not just a chess playing site; it is a professional, all-in-one tournament management system.
It’s built specifically to facilitate and control organized, official, and hybrid chess events, making it the platform of choice for many arbiters, organizers, and federations
8. RedHotPawn
RedHotPawn is a correspondence-style chess platform where games unfold slowly, sometimes over days or weeks.
Why It’s Good
Not everyone enjoys blitz and bullet. RedHotPawn is for players who like to take their time. You can log in, make a move, and return later. This makes it perfect for busy people who still want to enjoy meaningful games.
9. Free Internet Chess Server (FICS)
FICS is a free, community-driven chess server that has been around since the mid-1990s. The server is operated by volunteers and supported by a community of users and developers. They focus less on profit and more on making the game enjoyable for players.
Why It’s Good
FICS has a retro feel but is beloved for its grassroots community. It may not be as flashy as modern platforms, but it provides solid gameplay, a loyal user base, and no commercial interference. A great option if you enjoy simplicity.
10. ChessTempo
ChessTempo is a training website focused on tactics, openings, and endgames. If you’re looking to improve your chess ability, you should definitely give them a look.
Why It’s Good
ChessTempo is not primarily for casual games; it’s also a training tool. You can sharpen your tactical vision with puzzles, practice specific openings, or drill endgame positions.
For players serious about improvement, it’s one of the strongest resources online.
Conclusion
Chess.com may be the giant of online chess, but the game thrives beyond it.
If you’re curious about alternatives, the best approach is to try a few of them. You might find that one fits your style better than Chess.com, or you may enjoy using multiple platforms for different purposes.