Best App to Learn Chinese in 2026: 8 Apps Compared
- 1
DuolingoCasual Chinese learningVisit - 2
HelloChineseBeginner Mandarin courseVisit - 3
ChineseSkillGame-style Mandarin lessonsVisit - 4
PlecoChinese dictionary and readerVisit - 5
SkritterCharacter writing practiceVisit
- Our top pick for most readers is Duolingo, because it covers the core needs of best app to learn chinese without a steep learning curve.
- If you want to pay nothing to start, HelloChinese is the best free-first option in this list, with a usable free plan for everyday tasks.
- ChineseSkill is the best choice when you need more depth, since it adds stronger tools for regular or advanced use.
- Before you pay, compare free plan limits, monthly cost and the features you will actually use each week, not just the headline feature list.
Quick comparison
| Product | Ideal for | Price from | Free version | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | Casual Chinese learning | Free | Yes | Visit |
| HelloChinese | Beginner Mandarin course | Free | Yes | Visit |
| ChineseSkill | Game-style Mandarin lessons | Free | Yes | Visit |
| Pleco | Chinese dictionary and reader | Free | Yes | Visit |
| Skritter | Character writing practice | See website | Free trial | Visit |
 LingQ | Reading-based Chinese learning | See website | Free trial | Visit |
 SuperChinese | AI-led Mandarin learning | See website | Free trial | Visit |
 Yoyo Chinese | Video Mandarin courses | See website | Free trial | Visit |
The best apps to learn Chinese
We compared official feature pages, pricing, app store listings, privacy policies and public reviews to put this list together. The options below cover different budgets and skill levels, so use the comparison table to narrow it down, then read the full write-up for the two or three that match your needs.
Duolingo
Ideal for: Casual Chinese learning
For casual chinese learning, Duolingo is a strong place to start. Duolingo offers game-style Chinese lessons with speaking, listening and character practice for casual learners. It stands out for Game-style lessons, and readers who want Free plan will find it a good fit.
The catch is Limited character depth, and Less grammar detail may also matter depending on your setup. Pricing is Free, with a free plan listed as Yes. Check the current plan details on the official site before you commit, and start with the free option when one is available.
That third strength, Speaking practice, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is casual chinese learning, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Game-style lessons
- Free plan
- Speaking practice
- Limited character depth
- Less grammar detail
HelloChinese
Ideal for: Beginner Mandarin course
HelloChinese suits beginner mandarin course. HelloChinese is built for Mandarin beginners, with tone training, character lessons and speaking practice. Its main draw is Tone training, with Character lessons as a useful bonus for everyday use.
On the downside, Free content limited can frustrate, and Advanced levels cost extra is worth weighing before you sign up. The starting price is Free, and the free plan status is Yes. Try the free tier or trial first when you can, so you can judge fit without paying upfront.
That third strength, Speaking practice, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is beginner mandarin course, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Tone training
- Character lessons
- Speaking practice
- Free content limited
- Advanced levels cost extra
ChineseSkill
Ideal for: Game-style Mandarin lessons
If game-style mandarin lessons describes you, ChineseSkill deserves a close look. ChineseSkill offers game-style Mandarin lessons with character writing and speaking practice. We liked Game lessons most, followed by Character writing.
It is not perfect: Smaller content library is a real limitation, and Updates vary may affect some users. Starting price is Free, free plan is Yes. We suggest comparing that against what you will actually use each week, rather than paying for features you may never open.
That third strength, Speaking, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is game-style mandarin lessons, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Game lessons
- Character writing
- Speaking
- Smaller content library
- Updates vary
Pleco
Ideal for: Chinese dictionary and reader
Pleco is built with chinese dictionary and reader in mind. Pleco is the essential Chinese dictionary app, with OCR, flashcards and a document reader for serious learners. The headline strength is Excellent dictionary, and OCR reader adds to the appeal.
Watch out for Interface is dense, plus Add-ons cost extra if that matters to your workflow. The price starts at Free, with free plan Yes. That makes it sensible to test the basics first and upgrade only when a limit starts to get in your way.
That third strength, Flashcards, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is chinese dictionary and reader, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Excellent dictionary
- OCR reader
- Flashcards
- Interface is dense
- Add-ons cost extra
Skritter
Ideal for: Character writing practice
Among the options here, Skritter stands out for character writing practice. Skritter focuses on writing Chinese characters correctly, with spaced repetition and tone practice. It offers Character writing, plus Spaced repetition for people who want more room to grow.
The honest weakness is Subscription cost, and Focus is narrow is a second point to check. Pricing starts at See website, free plan Free trial. For most readers, the free or trial version answers the key question: does this fit how you already work?
That third strength, Tone practice, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is character writing practice, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Character writing
- Spaced repetition
- Tone practice
- Subscription cost
- Focus is narrow
LingQ
Ideal for: Reading-based Chinese learning
Readers in the reading-based chinese learning group should shortlist LingQ. LingQ teaches Chinese through reading and listening, tracking vocabulary as you work through real content. The clearest benefit is Reading library, and Vocabulary tracking helps it hold up over time.
A fair warning: Interface takes learning, and Less structured grammar can add friction. It starts at See website, with free plan Free trial. Compare the plan limits with your actual use, and keep an eye on renewal terms before you pay for a full year.
That third strength, Audio, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is reading-based chinese learning, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Reading library
- Vocabulary tracking
- Audio
- Interface takes learning
- Less structured grammar
SuperChinese
Ideal for: AI-led Mandarin learning
SuperChinese appeals most to ai-led mandarin learning. SuperChinese offers AI-led Mandarin lessons with speaking feedback and a structured learning path. It does AI lessons well, and Speaking feedback makes it easier to stick with.
The main drawback is Newer app, with Smaller community close behind. Starting price is See website, free plan Free trial. If those limits do not bother you, it remains a solid choice for its target audience.
That third strength, Structured path, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is ai-led mandarin learning, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- AI lessons
- Speaking feedback
- Structured path
- Newer app
- Smaller community
Yoyo Chinese
Ideal for: Video Mandarin courses
For anyone in the video mandarin courses category, Yoyo Chinese is worth comparing first. Yoyo Chinese offers video-based Mandarin courses with clear explanations of tones, characters and grammar. It brings Video lessons together with Clear explanations in one place.
Keep in mind Video-heavy, and also Less game-style practice. Pricing is See website, free plan Free trial. Shortlist it if the strengths match your top need, and skip it if the drawback touches something you use every day.
That third strength, Structured courses, is easy to overlook, but it is often what decides whether a tool stays in daily use. If your main need is video mandarin courses, weigh that strength against the drawbacks above and against the next option in this list, since a slightly simpler tool can be the better pick when it covers your core task well.
- Video lessons
- Clear explanations
- Structured courses
- Video-heavy
- Less game-style practice
How we picked these
We started with the topic itself and kept only products that exist and work today and truly fit it, dropping anything that was discontinued, region-locked for most US readers, or only loosely related. For each remaining option we checked its official feature page and pricing page, looked at app store listings where relevant, and read privacy policies and public reviews for signs of problems such as hidden limits or weak support. We then compared free plans, starting prices, core features and honest drawbacks, and we mixed well-known leaders with strong smaller options. We did not claim hands-on testing that did not happen. Where a price could not be verified from the vendor site, we wrote See website rather than guessing, so you can check the current figure before you buy.
How to pick an app to learn Chinese
Start with the job you need done, not the longest feature list. For Chinese, check whether tones, characters and speaking practice are covered, not just vocabulary, and whether the app teaches simplified or traditional characters. Write down the two or three tasks you will do most often, then check each shortlisted option against those tasks only. A tool that handles your core task well is usually a better buy than a larger tool with many features you will never open, especially when the larger tool costs more each month.
Next, test the free plan or trial with a real task from your own work, not just a sample project. Import or create something typical, try it on the device you use most, and note where you get stuck. Pay attention to export options, limits on free use, and how easy it is to cancel, since those details matter more over months of use than a first-day impression.
Finally, compare total cost over a year, including add-ons, extra users or storage, and any price rise after an introductory period. Check support options and privacy terms, and keep a backup of your work in a standard format where possible. If two options tie, pick the one with the clearer pricing and the simpler path to leave, so you are not locked in by your own files.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best best app to learn chinese?
For most readers, Duolingo is our top pick, because it covers the core features well and is easy to start with. That said, the best choice depends on your budget and how often you will use it, so compare the top two or three options in the table above before you decide.
Is there a free best app to learn chinese?
Yes, HelloChinese offers a usable free plan, and several other options here include a free tier or trial. Free plans usually limit advanced features, storage or exports, so test the free version with a real task to see whether those limits affect you.
How do I choose the right best app to learn chinese for beginners?
Start with the task you need most, pick the simplest option that covers it, and use the free plan or trial first. Avoid paying for advanced features until you know you need them, and check that you can export your work if you switch later.
Can I switch later if I pick the wrong best app to learn chinese?
In most cases yes, but switching takes time, so check export options before you commit. Keep copies of your work in standard formats where possible, and avoid building everything around a feature that only one tool offers.
What is the best app to learn Mandarin?
HelloChinese is our top pick for Mandarin beginners, since it teaches tones, characters and speaking step by step. Duolingo suits casual learners, while Skritter is best for character writing and Pleco is an essential dictionary for serious students.