# Chess Clock by Chess.com vs Lichess

The clearest difference is rating: Chess Clock by Chess.com at 4.6 against Lichess's 4.0. Chess Clock by Chess.com also leads on review sentiment (91% vs 51%). Lichess's advantage is update cadence (fortnightly vs every 3 months). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Chess Clock by Chess.com holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 338 and 604 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 91% of Chess Clock by Chess.com's written reviews are positive against 51% of Lichess's.

Chess Clock by Chess.com ships an update every 3 months, Lichess fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Chess Clock by Chess.com | Lichess |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (338 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-clock-by-chesscom/id858039162/reviews)** | [4.0 (604 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lichess/id1662361230/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 338 | **604** |
| Positive reviews | **90.6% of reviews** | 51.3% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Best chart rank | #183 | **#82** |
| Size | 3 MB | 83 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 15.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Chess.com](https://appshunter.io/developer/329218552) | [LICHESS.ORG](https://appshunter.io/developer/968371783) |

## What reviewers say

### Chess Clock by Chess.com

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chess-clock-by-chesscom/id858039162)

**Currently charting:** #183 Top Free · Strategy (US App Store)

This free app functions as a digital chess clock, offering customizable time controls for any game. It supports various increment and delay types, multiple stages, and handicapping, making it ideal for casual play and tournaments. Adjust time on the fly and enjoy clear displays and audio alerts.

**Highlights:** Customizable time controls, Fischer and Bronstein increments, Multiple-stage time controls, Handicapping support, On-the-fly time adjustments, Pause and interruption support, Audio alerts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- ⏱️ Simple and easy to use
- 🔒 No ads or data collection
- 🎨 Intuitive and clean interface
- 🔊 Satisfying click sound effects
- 🕰️ Customizable time controls

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Sound issues (no sound in silent mode, changed sound)
- 🔍 Difficulty reading in bright outdoor settings
- 🤖 Limited functionality (can't set different times for players)

**Reported bugs**

- Time not always reduced when pressing the clock quickly
- Custom time settings not always saved properly

**Requested features**

- Add warning/countdown alerts for time running out
- Allow setting different times for each player
- Provide more theme/color options
- Add vibration feedback when pressing the clock


### Lichess

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lichess/id1662361230)

**Currently charting:** #82 Top Free · Strategy (US App Store)

Play chess online with millions of users, participate in tournaments, solve puzzles, and analyze games. This free and open-source application offers a comprehensive chess experience for players of all levels, with features for learning and casual play.

**Highlights:** Real-time and correspondence chess, Arena tournaments, Chess puzzles, Game analysis with Stockfish, Interactive study feature, Chess clock

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great interface
- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 💡 Useful resources for learning and analysis

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional UI issues
- 💡 Room for more customization options

**Reported bugs**

- Swipe-to-go-back gesture interferes with piece placement

**Requested features**

- Name of opening in opening explorer
- Ability to add and subtract additional things on the homepage
- Reset/replay button on puzzles


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Chess Clock by Chess.com free?

Chess Clock by Chess.com is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Lichess free?

Lichess is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Lichess?

Chess Clock by Chess.com is rated higher. Chess Clock by Chess.com averages 4.6 out of 5 from 338 ratings, while Lichess averages 4.0 from 604 ratings.

### Do Chess Clock by Chess.com or Lichess have ads?

Neither Chess Clock by Chess.com nor Lichess shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Lichess?

Chess Clock by Chess.com ships an update every 3 months, and Lichess fortnightly. Most recently, Chess Clock by Chess.com was updated on September 24, 2026 and Lichess on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Chess Clock by Chess.com or Lichess?

Chess Clock by Chess.com currently peaks at #183 in the App Store charts, and Lichess at #82. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*