🧠 Did You Know?
Over 100 million people around the world are learning Chinese right now—making Mandarin the second most popular language to study after English. If you’re one of them, finding the right tools can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or looking to polish your HSK prep, this comprehensive guide to the best apps to learn Chinese will help you build vocabulary, master tones, and actually enjoy the process.
📱 13 Best Apps To Learn Chinese in 2025
Here’s our hand-picked, battle-tested list of the top language learning apps—sorted by strength and learning style:
1. Duolingo — Best for Gamified Beginners
✔️ Bite-sized lessons
✔️ Daily streak motivation
✔️ Great for casual learning
🔑 Best for: beginners who like colorful, quick sessions
2. HelloChinese — Best All-Around Mandarin App
✔️ Speech recognition
✔️ Grammar tips
✔️ Cultural mini-lessons
🔑 Perfect for serious learners who want both fun and structure
3. Pleco — Best Chinese Dictionary App
✔️ Optical character recognition (scan & translate)
✔️ Stroke order diagrams
✔️ Add-on flashcard system
🔑 Your essential Chinese pocket dictionary
4. Skritter — Best for Writing Practice
✔️ Learn to write characters with accuracy
✔️ SRS (spaced repetition system)
✔️ Works with HSK vocab
🔑 Perfect for visual + tactile learners
5. ChineseSkill — Best Duolingo Alternative
✔️ Offline learning
✔️ Reading + listening games
✔️ Travel-specific vocabulary
🔑 A great option with more grammar depth than Duolingo
6. Anki — Best for Custom Flashcards
✔️ Free decks for HSK, radicals, tones
✔️ Algorithm-driven repetition
✔️ Community-shared decks
🔑 For serious memorization power-users
7. Ninchanese — Best for Story-Based Learning
✔️ Manga-style characters
✔️ Storyline-based immersion
✔️ Level progression with feedback
🔑 Learning that feels like a game narrative
8. Rosetta Stone — Best Immersive Approach
✔️ “No translation” method
✔️ Speech-focused
✔️ Available on desktop + mobile
🔑 Great for learners who want full immersion without English crutches
9. LingoDeer — Best for Grammar Lovers
✔️ Structured lessons
✔️ Beginner grammar breakdowns
✔️ Listening comprehension
🔑 Ideal for native English speakers who need grammar clarity
10. Brainscape — Best for Efficient Review
✔️ HSK-focused decks
✔️ Spaced repetition
✔️ Clean, minimalist interface
🔑 No fluff—just high-efficiency learning
11. Mondly — Best for Conversation Starters
✔️ Speech-recognition AI
✔️ Role-play conversation practice
✔️ Augmented reality mode
🔑 Get confident speaking with realistic practice
12. Tandem — Best for Language Exchange
✔️ Chat with native Mandarin speakers
✔️ Voice notes, video calls
✔️ Community moderation
🔑 Bridge the gap between app and real people
13. YouTube + Podcasts — Best Free Learning Content
✔️ Channels like “Mandarin Corner” & “ChineseClass101”
✔️ Thousands of hours of structured & casual content
✔️ Great for passive learning
🔑 Bonus tip: listen during your commute or workouts
🎯 How To Choose the Best App for YOU
Here’s how to narrow it down based on your goals:
| Learning Goal | Best Apps |
|---|---|
| Casual Daily Practice | Duolingo, ChineseSkill |
| Speaking Fluency | HelloChinese, Mondly, Tandem |
| Writing Characters | Skritter, Pleco |
| Deep Grammar Learning | LingoDeer, HelloChinese |
| Vocabulary Mastery | Anki, Brainscape |
| Test Prep (HSK) | Anki, Skritter, Pleco |
📌 Bonus: Combine 2–3 Apps for Best Results
No single app does everything. Try this combo for maximum impact:
- Pleco + Skritter + HelloChinese → Vocabulary + Writing + Structured Lessons
- Duolingo + Anki + Tandem → Fun + Memorization + Real Conversations
🔗 Useful Resources
- HSK official site: www.chinesetest.cn
- Reddit Chinese Learning: r/ChineseLanguage
- Mandarin Corner YouTube: youtube.com/@MandarinCorner
✅ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I learn Chinese just with an app?
You can get a strong foundation, especially in vocabulary and listening. But speaking practice with real people is essential long term.
2. What’s the best app for writing Chinese characters?
Skritter is specifically designed for that purpose. You’ll learn stroke order and muscle memory.
3. Are all these apps free?
Most offer a free version, but premium unlocks more features like unlimited lessons or pronunciation help.
4. Which app should I use for HSK prep?
Anki, Skritter, and Pleco all have HSK-based study tools.
5. How often should I practice?
Aim for 15–30 minutes per day. Consistency beats cramming!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Learning Chinese may seem daunting, but the right apps can make it not only effective—but fun. Whether you’re a student, traveler, or enthusiast, the tools listed here will help you turn effort into results.
So… which app will you try first today?
