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Best Free Chess Lessons Apps & Games

249+ iOS apps & games curated and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
20 free apps & games
Updated September 2026

Chessable is the household name in free chess lessons, but it's far from the only option. We track 249+ alternatives and competitors on iOS — many free, many higher-rated than you'd expect.

Compare top Free Chess Lessons Apps & Games (September 2026)

#AppPriceRatingAdsIn-App PurchasesUpdated
1Chessable: Study Chess SmarterChessable: Study Chess SmarterFree4.8★ (5.9K)NoYesSep 2026
2Chess Tactics and LessonsChess Tactics and LessonsFree4.8★ (5K)YesYesSep 2026
3Intelligent ChessIntelligent ChessFree—NoNoMay 2026
4Chess Game - TrainerChess Game - TrainerFree—YesNoMay 2026
5Chess - Learn ChessChess - Learn ChessFree4.7★ (200)NoNoAug 2026
6Chess MasterclassesChess MasterclassesFree—NoNoJul 2026
7Learn Chess with Dr. WolfLearn Chess with Dr. WolfFree4.8★ (27K)NoYesSep 2026
8Chess.com - Play and LearnChess.com - Play and LearnFree4.8★ (825K)YesYesSep 2026

Top Picks for Free Chess Lessons

Chessable: Study Chess Smarter#1

Chessable: Study Chess Smarter by Chess.com

Openings, Tactics & Endgames!
Editor's Choice
📚 Education
4.8😊(5.9K ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
Chessable: Study Chess Smarter screenshot 1
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Chessable: Study Chess Smarter screenshot 5
Chessable: Study Chess Smarter screenshot 6

Master chess openings, tactics, and endgames with a science-backed system. Learn from top players and retain moves through spaced repetition. Track your progress and join a community of players improving their game.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent learning tool
  • 📚 Comprehensive chess courses
  • 🧠 Effective spaced repetition
  • 👍 User-friendly interface
  • 🎥 Helpful video instruction

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
  • 🔍 Limited search and navigation
  • 📵 Lack of offline access
  • 🔒 Issues with paid subscription
  • 🖥️ Inferior to web version
Chess Tactics and Lessons#2

Chess Tactics and Lessons by Lockwood Productions, LLC

Learn Strategy and Openings
Strong Contender
🎮 Games
4.8😊(5K ratings)
FreeAdsIn-App Purchases
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Chess Tactics and Lessons screenshot 6

Master chess strategy and openings with this app. Practice unlimited tactics, follow detailed lessons, and save your favorite openings. Create your own content and learn from a supportive community.

What We Love

  • 😃 Great for learning tactics
  • 👍 Enjoyable and addictive
  • 🚀 Excellent training tool
  • 🤗 Helpful for improving chess skills
  • 💯 Best tactics app

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Buggy after updates
  • 💰 Subscription model too expensive
  • 🤔 Some tactics are questionable
  • 🙄 Too many queen sacrifices
  • 😣 Difficult to navigate

More Free Chess Lessons apps to explore

FAQ about Free Chess Lessons

What are the best free chess lessons apps & games for iPhone?
Chessable: Study Chess Smarter tops our free chess lessons apps & games ranking as of September 2026, with a 4.8-star average from 5.9K App Store ratings, and it's free to download.
Chessable: Study Chess Smarter has no ads and offers in-app purchases, according to its App Store listing as of September 2026.
We track 249+ free chess lessons apps & games on the iOS App Store as of September 2026, ranked by rating, recency, and analysis of real user reviews.
Chessable is a platform designed to help you learn and master chess openings, tactics, and endgames. It uses a science-backed spaced repetition system to ensure you remember what you learn, making it effective for players of all skill levels.
The app's MoveTrainer® utilizes spaced repetition, a learning technique based on cognitive research. This system schedules reviews of chess moves and variations at optimal intervals, helping you to retain information long-term and avoid forgetting.