Introduction
Chess, the timeless game of strategy and intellect, has evolved over the years, with technology bringing the game to our fingertips. In 2025, there are countless chess games available for Android devices, each offering something unique to both beginners and seasoned players. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, play with friends, or challenge yourself against the best AI, there’s an app for everyone.
Why Play Chess on Android?
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly discuss why playing chess on your Android device is a great idea:
- Convenience: You can play chess anywhere, whether you’re commuting, relaxing at home, or waiting in line. Your Android device is always ready for a quick match or a long, strategic game.
- Variety of Opponents: With Android chess apps, you’re not limited to local friends. You can compete against AI, online players, or even play in tournaments.
- Learning Tools: Many chess apps include tutorials, puzzles, and analysis tools to help you improve your skills, making them perfect for both beginners and advanced players.
- Customization: You can adjust the difficulty, chessboard style, and game pace according to your preferences. This level of personalization makes it fun for every type of player.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s look at the best chess games for Android in 2025.
1. Chess.com: The All-Rounder
Why You Must Try It: Chess.com remains one of the most popular chess apps in the world, and for a good reason. It offers everything a chess player could need: live matches, tournaments, puzzles, lessons, and even a community of millions of players worldwide. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive one, Chess.com has something for everyone.
Key Features
- Play Live Matches: Challenge players around the globe in real-time games.
- Puzzle Rush: Solve as many puzzles as you can in a limited time to improve your tactical abilities.
- Lessons and Tips: Access tutorials and lessons from grandmasters to improve your game.
- Tournaments and Challenges: Participate in daily or weekly tournaments and compete for rankings.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your rating, Chess.com provides endless opportunities to learn and grow.
2. Lichess: The Free Powerhouse
Why You Must Try It: Lichess is a completely free and open-source chess platform with a vast community. It offers a clean, intuitive interface and is known for its strong AI that can provide challenging opponents for players of all levels. Whether you’re interested in blitz games, classical matches, or chess variants, Lichess has it all.
Key Features
- Completely Free: Lichess doesn’t have any paywalls, making it a fantastic choice for players who want to play without any financial commitment.
- Multiple Game Modes: Play blitz, bullet, classical, and even Chess960.
- Chess Variants: Try your hand at different variants like Crazyhouse, Bughouse, or King of the Hill.
- AI Challenges: Play against AI with various difficulty levels to hone your skills.
- Tournaments: Join both local and international tournaments with players of all skill levels.
If you’re looking for a no-cost platform with top-tier features, Lichess is a must-try.
3. Play Magnus: Challenge the World Champion
Why You Must Try It: Play Magnus is developed by World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, and it brings his personal touch to the chess world. The app allows you to play against an AI based on Magnus’s playing style at various ages. It’s a unique and fun way to experience chess through the lens of a world champion.
Key Features
- Play Against Magnus: Challenge the AI at different skill levels, mimicking Magnus’s strategies from his youth to his present-day brilliance.
- Lessons from Magnus: Get tips and guidance from the champion himself to enhance your chess abilities.
- Tournaments: Participate in global tournaments and challenge other players to test your skills.
- Chess School: The app includes a range of lessons and exercises tailored to your skill level.
Play Magnus offers a fun twist on the traditional chess app, making it a great choice for fans of Magnus Carlsen and players looking for a unique challenge.
4. Chess Free: Simple Yet Effective
Why You Must Try It: Chess Free offers a straightforward and no-frills chess experience, making it perfect for players who want a quick game without unnecessary distractions. The app features a simple interface and customizable settings for beginners and advanced players alike.
Key Features
- Easy to Use: A user-friendly interface with simple controls and easy-to-understand settings.
- Various Difficulty Levels: Play against an AI with different skill levels to match your experience.
- No Internet Required: Play offline without needing an internet connection, making it convenient for when you’re on the go.
- Multiple Board Styles: Choose from a variety of board styles and pieces to personalize your experience.
If you’re looking for an uncomplicated and reliable chess app, Chess Free is a solid choice.
5. Chess Rush: For Strategy Game Lovers
Why You Must Try It: Chess Rush is a great option for players who want to combine their love of chess with strategy and tactics. This app features auto-battler gameplay, where players create teams of heroes to battle against opponents. While it’s not a traditional chess game, it provides a fun twist on chess-like strategy.
Key Features
- Auto-Battler Gameplay: Create a team of heroes and battle against other players in strategic turn-based battles.
- Fast-Paced: Games are quicker than traditional chess, with each match lasting around 10 minutes.
- Multiple Game Modes: Play in various modes, including ranked, team, and blitz battles.
- Tournaments: Join competitive tournaments to show off your strategic prowess.
Chess Rush offers a fun variation of chess for players who enjoy tactical gameplay with a twist.
6. Shredder Chess: Strong AI and Challenging Puzzles
Why You Must Try It: Shredder Chess is known for its powerful AI, offering players a challenge at every level. It’s a great option for those who want to hone their skills with puzzles, analysis, and deep AI strategies.
Key Features
- Strong AI: Shredder’s AI is one of the toughest, providing a challenging opponent for experienced players.
- Chess Puzzles: Thousands of chess puzzles to solve, improving your tactical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Game Analysis: After each game, Shredder provides a detailed analysis of your moves and suggestions for improvement.
- Multiple Difficulty Levels: Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, Shredder offers levels for every skill set.
If you’re looking for a game that pushes your limits and helps you improve, Shredder Chess is a top choice.
7. DroidFish Chess: Open-Source and Powerful
Why You Must Try It: DroidFish is another open-source chess engine that offers powerful play capabilities for Android users. Based on the popular Stockfish engine, it provides some of the strongest chess AI and is perfect for players who want to test their skills against a high-level opponent.
Key Features
- Stockfish Integration: The app uses the powerful Stockfish chess engine for deep and accurate gameplay.
- Strong AI Opponents: Challenge yourself against some of the best chess AI out there.
- Multiple Analysis Tools: Access advanced tools for game analysis, including move suggestions and game history.
- Customization Options: Personalize the chessboard and pieces to suit your style.
DroidFish is great for players who want a professional-level chess experience without paying for it.
Conclusion
In 2025, the world of Android chess games is more vibrant than ever. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive one, there’s a game for you. If you’re looking for an all-rounder, Chess.com is the way to go, while Lichess offers a great free alternative. If you’re a fan of Magnus Carlsen, then Play Magnus should be on your list. For a simple and classic chess experience, Chess Free is perfect, while Chess Rush offers a refreshing take on strategy games.
FAQs About the Best Chess Games For Android Devices in 2025
Q1. What are the best chess apps for Android in 2025?
The best chess apps for Android in 2025 include Chess.com, Lichess, Play Magnus, Shredder Chess, and DroidFish Chess. Each of these apps offers a unique set of features, such as AI-driven challenges, online multiplayer, chess puzzles, and game analysis tools, making them perfect for players of all skill levels.
Q2. Is Lichess really free?
Yes, Lichess is completely free to use. It’s an open-source chess platform that does not require any subscriptions or payments. You can play unlimited games, access puzzles, and join tournaments without spending a dime.
Q3. Can I play against Magnus Carlsen in Play Magnus?
Yes, Play Magnus allows you to play against an AI modeled after Magnus Carlsen at different stages of his career. You can challenge Magnus at various skill levels, making it a unique and fun way to experience chess through the eyes of a world champion.
Q4. Are there any chess apps that work offline?
Yes, apps like Chess Free and Shredder Chess allow you to play offline. These apps don’t require an internet connection to enjoy a game against AI, making them perfect for situations where you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or data.
Q5. What is the difference between Chess.com and Lichess?
Both Chess.com and Lichess are excellent platforms, but Chess.com offers more advanced features such as lessons from grandmasters, puzzles, and a large online community. On the other hand, Lichess is completely free and open-source, with a focus on strong AI and various chess variants. If you’re looking for a free option with fewer features, Lichess is ideal, while Chess.com provides a more feature-rich experience.