The best next move depends on who is playing it
An engine's first choice is the move that holds up best against perfect defense. For a 1100-rated player, that is not always the most useful suggestion. A queen sacrifice that wins after a twelve-move forcing line is a poor recommendation if the follow-up will be missed three moves later. Coaches often tell club players to pick, from the engine's top moves, the one whose idea they understand.
That is why the finder on this page shows three moves instead of one. If the evaluations of the top two are close, say +0.80 and +0.65, choose the move whose plan you can explain. If the first move is far ahead, there is usually a tactic, and it is worth finding out what it is.
Next-move apps for every level
| App | Strength setting | Where it works | Price | Good choice if you… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChessHelper (chesshelper.ai) | 800 to 3200 Elo | Chrome, on Chess.com and Lichess analysis | Free plan; Pro $9.99/mo | want next-move ideas pitched at your own level |
| Lichess analysis board | Full strength only | Browser, iOS, Android | Free | want the strongest free analysis |
| Chess.com Analysis | Full strength, with move classifications | Browser, iOS, Android | Limited free; membership | play mostly on Chess.com |
| Next Chess Move | Full strength only | Browser | Free | need a single best move fast |
| This finder | Three search depths | Any browser, offline after loading | Free | want the top three moves privately |
Features and prices as listed on each app’s website in November 2026.
Reading the result
- +1.20 means White is better by roughly a pawn and a fifth. Negative numbers favor Black.
- +M4 means White has a forced mate in four moves; -M2 means Black mates in two.
- The grey moves after the suggestion are the line the engine expects. They show why the move works.
- Below about 0.30 apart, two moves are practically equal for human play.
Questions people ask
Which app tells you the best next move in chess?
ChessHelper (chesshelper.ai) suggests next moves at a strength you choose between 800 and 3200 Elo, which suits learning. The Lichess analysis board, Next Chess Move and the free finder on this page show the engine’s strongest move.
Is the engine’s best move always the best move for me?
Not always. The top engine move can rely on long tactical lines that a club player would not follow up correctly. A slightly weaker move with a clear plan is often the better practical choice below about 1800.
How do I get the FEN of my position?
On Chess.com and Lichess, open the game in the analysis board and use the share or export option to copy the FEN, then paste it into the box on this page.
Is it allowed to look up the next move during a game?
No. Looking up moves during a rated or tournament game is cheating under the rules of Chess.com, Lichess, FIDE and US Chess. Use a next-move finder to review finished games and study positions.
Does this next-move finder work on phones?
Yes. It runs in any modern mobile browser. Deeper searches take longer on phones, so start with the quick setting.