Best Apps for Learning Mandarin

Learning Mandarin can be a rewarding yet challenging journey.

With the rise of technology, numerous apps have emerged to make this process more accessible and enjoyable.

However, choosing the right app depends on your learning style, goals, and budget.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to the best apps for learning Mandarin, complete with comparisons, pros and cons, and pricing information.

Quick Comparison Table

AppBest ForKey FeaturesPricingOffline Mode
HelloChineseGamified LearningStructured lessons, speech recognitionFree, Premium $8.99/moYes
FluentUImmersive Video LearningReal-world videos, interactive subtitles$30/mo, $240/yearNo
PlecoDictionary & ToolsHandwriting, OCR, flashcardsFree, Add-ons $9.99+Yes
SkritterWriting CharactersStroke order, spaced repetition$14.99/mo, $99/yearYes
italkiOne-on-One TutoringNative tutors, flexible pricing$5–$50/hourNo
MemriseVocabulary BuildingMnemonics, native speaker videosFree, Premium $8.49/moYes
DuolingoGamified LearningBite-sized lessons, basic grammarFree, Plus $6.99/moYes
ChineseSkillBeginnersComprehensive curriculum, gamesFree, Premium $5.99/moYes
BusuuStructured LearningGrammar, feedback from native speakersFree, Premium $6.99/moYes
HSK OnlineHSK Exam PreparationPractice tests, vocabulary listsFree, Premium $8.99/moYes
PimsleurSpeaking SkillsAudio lessons, repetition-based learning$14.99/moYes
AnkiCustomizable FlashcardsSpaced repetition, user-created decksFree, $24.99 (iOS app)Yes
HelloTalkLanguage ExchangeChat with native speakers, correctionsFree, VIP $6.99/moNo
ChinesePodPodcast-Style LessonsAudio lessons, transcripts, quizzes$14/mo, $99/yearYes
LingoDeerIndependent LearningGrammar, vocabulary, sentence structure$11.99/mo, $119.99/lifeYes

Detailed Reviews

1. HelloChinese: Best for Gamified Learning

  • Features: HelloChinese offers a structured curriculum with gamified lessons, speech recognition, and handwriting practice. It’s perfect for beginners and covers the first six levels of the HSK exam.
  • Pros: Fun and engaging; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Limited content for advanced learners.
  • Pricing: Free with optional premium subscription ($8.99/month).

2. FluentU: Best for Immersive Video-Based Learning

  • Features: FluentU uses real-world videos (e.g., music videos, movie trailers) with interactive subtitles to teach Mandarin in context.
  • Pros: Immersive learning; great for listening practice.
  • Cons: Expensive; no offline mode.
  • Pricing: $30/month or $240/year.

3. Pleco: Best Dictionary App

  • Features: A comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary with handwriting recognition, stroke order diagrams, and OCR for reading Chinese text from images.
  • Pros: Highly versatile; works offline.
  • Cons: Add-ons can be pricey.
  • Pricing: Free with optional add-ons starting at $9.99.

4. Skritter: Best for Writing Characters

  • Features: Focuses on teaching Chinese character writing using spaced repetition and stroke order practice.
  • Pros: Excellent for mastering character writing.
  • Cons: Limited focus on other language skills.
  • Pricing: $14.99/month or $99/year.

5. italki: Best for One-on-One Tutoring

  • Features: Connects learners with native Mandarin tutors for personalized lessons.
  • Pros: Flexible scheduling; wide range of tutors.
  • Cons: Quality varies by tutor; no offline mode.
  • Pricing: $5–$50/hour depending on the tutor.

6. Memrise: Best for Vocabulary Building

  • Features: Uses spaced repetition and mnemonic techniques, with video clips of native speakers to aid pronunciation.
  • Pros: Fun and effective for vocabulary.
  • Cons: Limited grammar instruction.
  • Pricing: Free with premium subscription ($8.49/month).

7. Duolingo: Best for Gamified Learning

  • Features: Offers bite-sized lessons covering basic vocabulary and grammar.
  • Pros: Free; great for beginners.
  • Cons: Limited depth; not ideal for advanced learners.
  • Pricing: Free with optional Plus subscription ($6.99/month).

8. ChineseSkill: Best for Beginners

  • Features: Comprehensive curriculum with interactive games and quizzes, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
  • Pros: Beginner-friendly; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Limited advanced content.
  • Pricing: Free with premium subscription ($5.99/month).

9. Busuu: Best for Structured Learning

  • Features: Offers a structured learning path with grammar, vocabulary, and conversation practice, plus feedback from native speakers.
  • Pros: Well-rounded; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Limited free content.
  • Pricing: Free with premium subscription ($6.99/month).

10. HSK Online: Best for HSK Preparation

  • Features: Tailored for HSK exam preparation, with practice tests, vocabulary lists, and grammar exercises.
  • Pros: Focused on HSK; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Limited for general learners.
  • Pricing: Free with premium subscription ($8.99/month).

11. Pimsleur: Best for Speaking Skills

  • Features: Audio-based lessons that emphasize repetition and active participation to improve speaking and listening skills.
  • Pros: Great for conversational skills; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Limited focus on reading and writing.
  • Pricing: $14.99/month.

12. Anki: Best for Customizable Flashcards

  • Features: A powerful flashcard app with spaced repetition, allowing users to create or download decks.
  • Pros: Highly customizable; works offline.
  • Cons: Steep learning curve for new users.
  • Pricing: Free (desktop and Android), $24.99 (iOS app).

13. HelloTalk: Best for Language Exchange

  • Features: Connects learners with native Mandarin speakers for text, voice, and video chat.
  • Pros: Great for cultural exchange; built-in correction tools.
  • Cons: No offline mode; conversations can be unstructured.
  • Pricing: Free with VIP subscription ($6.99/month).

14. ChinesePod: Best for Podcast-Style Lessons

  • Features: Offers podcast-style lessons with transcripts, vocabulary lists, and quizzes.
  • Pros: Ideal for audio learners; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Expensive for casual learners.
  • Pricing: $14/month or $99/year.

15. LingoDeer: Best for Independent Learning

  • Features: Comprehensive lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure.
  • Pros: Great for self-paced learning; offline mode available.
  • Cons: Limited advanced content.
  • Pricing: $11.99/month or $119.99 for lifetime access.

Conclusion

Choosing the right app depends on your learning style, goals, and budget.

Whether you prefer gamified learning, immersive video content, or one-on-one tutoring, there’s an app tailored to your needs.

Combine these apps with other learning methods, such as textbooks or cultural immersion, to maximize your progress.

Happy learning! 😊