Chess with Live
Video Chat
The only online chess platform where you can see your opponent face-to-face while you play. HD video and audio — built right into the game. No Zoom. No WhatsApp. Just open the link and play.
Video Chat Features
HD Video Call Built-in
No need to open Zoom or WhatsApp separately. Video chat is built directly into the chess game — see your opponent's face right beside the board.
Live Audio
Talk, laugh, and trash-talk in real time. Mute yourself any time with one tap. Full duplex audio included.
Peer-to-Peer & Private
Video and audio run over WebRTC — directly between your browsers. No video is stored or recorded on our servers.
Low Latency
WebRTC provides near-zero delay video, so reactions to blunders and brilliant moves happen in real time.
Works on Any Device
No plugin or app required. Works on Chrome, Safari, Firefox — on phone, tablet, or desktop.
Emoji Reactions
Send 😲🔥👏 reactions and quick taunts alongside the live video — adds personality to every game.
How the Video Chat Works
- Room Creation: You create a private room and share the Room ID with your friend.
- Browser Permission: Both players grant camera and microphone access when prompted by the browser.
- WebRTC Handshake: Our server facilitates a WebRTC signalling handshake — it exchanges connection metadata so the two browsers can find each other.
- Peer-to-Peer Stream: Once connected, video and audio flow directly between your devices — our server is no longer in the path. This keeps latency low and guarantees no recording.
- Toggle Anytime: Use the camera and mic buttons in the top bar to mute or stop video at any point during the game.
How We Compare
Chess Arena is the only chess platform with integrated live video chat.
| Feature | Chess Arena | Lichess | Chess.com |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live video chat | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| No account required | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Private rooms by link | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| AI move hints | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Power-ups | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Emoji reactions | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Spectate mode | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free to play | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the chess video chat work?
When both players join a room and grant camera/microphone access, a WebRTC peer-to-peer connection is established. Video and audio stream directly between the two browsers — no intermediate server stores your video.
Do I need to install anything for video chat?
No. Video chat uses the WebRTC API built into modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge). No plugins, extensions, or apps required.
Can I play without the camera on?
Yes. Camera and microphone are optional. You can toggle them on or off at any time during the game using the buttons in the top bar.
Is the video stored or recorded?
No. Video streams peer-to-peer directly between your browsers via WebRTC. Our servers never receive or store your video or audio.
What if video chat doesn't work on my network?
Corporate firewalls and strict NAT can sometimes block WebRTC. Try using a mobile hotspot or a different network. The chess game itself works without video.
Play chess face-to-face, anywhere
Create a room in seconds. Invite your friend. See each other and play.
Start a Video Chess Game →