Top 10 Chinese Learning Apps in 2024: Reviewed and Ranked

With hundreds of Chinese learning apps available, how do you choose the right one? We spent months testing the most popular apps to bring you this comprehensive review.

Our Testing Criteria

We evaluated each app based on:

• Content Quality: Accuracy and depth
• User Experience: Interface and ease of use
• Value: Free vs. paid features
• Progress Tracking: How well it monitors your learning
• Speaking Practice: Pronunciation feedback
• Overall Effectiveness: Real results

The Rankings

🥇 1. Pleco (Best Overall)

Price: Free (in-app purchases $10-30) Best for: Serious learners, all levels

Pros: ✅ Best Chinese-English dictionary ✅ OCR camera translation ✅ Handwriting recognition ✅ Customizable flashcards ✅ Offline functionality

Cons: ❌ Expensive add-ons ❌ Overwhelming for beginners ❌ Limited structured lessons

Verdict: Essential tool for any Chinese learner. The dictionary alone is worth the download.

Our score: 9.5/10

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🥈 2. HelloChinese (Best for Beginners)

Price: Free (Premium $10/month) Best for: HSK 1-4, complete beginners

Pros: ✅ Excellent game-based learning ✅ Clear progression path ✅ Speech recognition ✅ Comprehensive grammar explanations ✅ Free version is generous

Cons: ❌ Limited advanced content ❌ Can feel repetitive ❌ UI can be cluttered

Verdict: Perfect first app for absolute beginners. Makes learning fun and systematic.

Our score: 9/10

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🥉 3. Skritter (Best for Character Writing)

Price: $15/month Best for: Anyone serious about handwriting

Pros: ✅ Best handwriting practice app ✅ Stroke order feedback ✅ Spaced repetition ✅ Syncs across devices ✅ HSK vocabulary lists

Cons: ❌ Expensive ❌ No speaking practice ❌ Limited free trial

Verdict: If handwriting is important to you, this app is worth the investment.

Our score: 8.5/10

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4. Du Chinese (Best for Reading)

Price: Free (Premium $10/month) Best for: Intermediate learners (HSK 3+)

Pros: ✅ Graded reading materials ✅ Click-to-translate feature ✅ Audio narration ✅ Interesting, modern content ✅ Progress tracking

Cons: ❌ Limited free articles ❌ No speaking practice ❌ Requires HSK 3+ level

Verdict: Excellent for improving reading comprehension with authentic materials.

Our score: 8/10

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5. Duolingo Chinese

Price: Free (Plus $7/month) Best for: Casual learners, beginners

Pros: ✅ Completely free ✅ Gamified and fun ✅ Good for building habits ✅ Mobile-friendly ✅ No ads (in free version)

Cons: ❌ Limited character practice ❌ Can develop bad habits ❌ Not comprehensive enough alone ❌ Repetitive lessons

Verdict: Good supplement but not sufficient as sole learning tool.

Our score: 7/10

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6. Anki (Best for Flashcards)

Price: Free (iOS $25 one-time) Best for: Self-directed learners

Pros: ✅ Most powerful SRS algorithm ✅ Unlimited customization ✅ Community-made decks ✅ Syncs across devices ✅ Excellent for retention

Cons: ❌ Steep learning curve ❌ No structured curriculum ❌ Requires self-discipline ❌ Can be overwhelming

Verdict: Advanced tool for serious learners willing to invest time in setup.

Our score: 8/10

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7. ChineseSkill

Price: Free (VIP $8/month) Best for: Beginners (HSK 1-3)

Pros: ✅ Free and comprehensive ✅ Game-based learning ✅ Good pronunciation practice ✅ Offline mode ✅ Progress tracking

Cons: ❌ Limited to beginner levels ❌ Some translation errors ❌ Less polished than competitors

Verdict: Solid alternative to HelloChinese, especially if budget is tight.

Our score: 7.5/10

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8. LingoDeer

Price: Free trial (Premium $12/month) Best for: Visual learners, beginners

Pros: ✅ Beautiful interface ✅ Strong grammar focus ✅ Offline learning ✅ Multiple Asian languages ✅ Clear explanations

Cons: ❌ Expensive ❌ Limited advanced content ❌ Small community

Verdict: Well-designed but premium price makes it hard to recommend over HelloChinese.

Our score: 7/10

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9. Memrise

Price: Free (Pro $9/month) Best for: Vocabulary building

Pros: ✅ User-generated content ✅ Video clips from natives ✅ Spaced repetition ✅ Community features ✅ Multiple learning modes

Cons: ❌ Inconsistent quality ❌ Limited grammar instruction ❌ Can be unfocused ❌ Many features paywalled

Verdict: Good for supplementary vocabulary practice.

Our score: 6.5/10

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10. Drops

Price: Free (Premium $13/month) Best for: Visual learners, vocabulary

Pros: ✅ Beautiful minimal design ✅ 5-minute daily sessions ✅ No typing required ✅ Good for absolute beginners ✅ Fun illustrations

Cons: ❌ Very limited free version (5 min/day) ❌ No grammar instruction ❌ Expensive for what it offers ❌ Vocabulary only

Verdict: Nice design but too limited to recommend highly.

Our score: 6/10

Honorable Mentions

Tandem / HelloTalk

Purpose: Language exchange with native speakers Price: Free (Premium available) Worth it? Yes, for practicing conversation

Yoyo Chinese

Purpose: Structured video lessons Price: $10-20/month Worth it? Yes, if you prefer video instruction

Our Recommended App Stack

For most effective learning, combine multiple apps:

Beginners (HSK 1-2):

1. HelloChinese (main learning)
2. Pleco (dictionary)
3. Skritter or HelloChinese (writing)
4. HelloTalk (speaking practice)

Intermediate (HSK 3-4):

1. Du Chinese (reading)
2. Pleco (dictionary)
3. Anki (flashcards)
4. Tandem (conversation)

Advanced (HSK 5-6):

1. Pleco (dictionary + advanced features)
2. Du Chinese (advanced reading)
3. Anki (maintenance)
4. Native content (apps, podcasts, TV)

The Truth About Apps

Apps alone won't make you fluent. They're tools, not magic solutions. For serious progress, combine apps with:

• Live conversation practice
• Structured curriculum (our courses!)
• Native content (shows, podcasts)
• Writing practice
• Cultural immersion

Which App Should YOU Choose?

If you're just starting: HelloChinese If you're serious: Pleco + structured course If you want to read: Du Chinese If you love writing: Skritter If you're on a budget: ChineseSkill + Pleco free

Final Thoughts

The "best" app depends on your goals, learning style, and budget. Most successful learners use a combination of apps plus structured lessons.

Want expert guidance to complement your app learning? Our courses provide the structure and accountability that apps can't. Explore our courses

Happy learning! 加油！