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3 of the Best Chess Apps for Android Phones

Chess pieces on a wooden board in an online game

Chess, one of the most classical yet modern board games, has gained more popularity due to its digitalization.

However, as a new chess player looking to become a pro, you might need help identifying the best chess apps for your progress. Even as an expert player, you should avoid going through a long trial-and-error phase looking for your go-to chess app.

Hence, we compiled the best chess apps for android.

Chess - Play and Learn

Airtel in-app advert showing after a game ends on Chess.com Watch TV section that allows users to stream live matches Post game engine analysis showing some metrics

Chess - Play and Learn is an app made by Chess.com that replicates its browser experience. This app has over 90 million registered users. All levels of players can use this app to play people around the world with different time controls. Players are given ratings that rise or drop according to their wins.

Apart from offline play with the computer and friends, it offers daily puzzles, tournaments, lessons, and great analysis. Further, it has a Chess TV that lets you watch your favorite streamers and GMs play. However, one thing to consider is that it has stronger players than other applications.

Although the app has in-app ads and premium features ranging from $4.17 to $16.99 per month, beginners can still get a wholesome experience navigating its free features.

Download Chess - Play and Learn

Lichess

Sidebar showing options like puzzles, study, watch games, analysis, clock etc. Game analysis showing details of the game like inaccuracies, mistakes, blunders, and average centipawn loss. Lichess Chess clock showing 2:54 and 2:49

Lichess is one of the most popular mobile chess apps in the world that is completely free. It has over 150,000 active players and hosts up to five million games daily.

Just like Chess - Play and Learn, Lichess has tons of features. You can play rated and casual online games and offline games too. Also, you can analyze each of your games with its Stockfish engine. Apart from these, it allows you to play other variants like Chess960, Crazy House, and much more.

Additionally, it has a study section, streaming options, and an inexhaustible set of puzzles. Moreso, it allows some customization, including a bank of over 80 languages. However, these are the best parts - it is open source and has an offline chess clock feature.

Download Lichess

Play Magnus

Play Magnus homepage app showing "Play Me" and "Train with Me" option Play Magnus against age 15 Magnus Carlsen Section showing train with magnus, learn with magnus trainer, and tactics frenzy.

Play Magnus is a well-recognized app that features GM Magnus Carlsen’s breakthrough ages as the different chess engine levels. In other words, playing age 5 is easier than playing age 15, and it’s simpler than playing age 21. Apart from playing Magnus, you get to play some other GMs like Wesley So. However, this feature is only available for premium subscribers.

Also, it births apps like learn with Magnus trainer and tactics frenzy. However, you can access all these features with a monthly membership fee of $14.17.

Download Play Magnus - Play Chess

Which App Should You Go For?

Beginner and professional chess players have their peculiarities. For instance, a new player would be keen on chess opening studies, inexhaustible puzzles, and even watching stronger players’ games to learn. However, a pro player would prefer an app with a strong engine depth and highly rated tournaments.

They are also good for children and adults, casual and serious-minded players, and even rich and financially limited players. As such, your favorite app among these should be a personal decision.