What are the best apps to study Chinese?

No single app will teach you Chinese on its own. The best approach combines a great dictionary (Pleco), a spaced-repetition system (Anki), a reading app (Du Chinese), and a structured course (HelloChinese or ChinesePod). Together, these cover vocabulary, reading, listening, and speaking.

The best Chinese study setup uses multiple apps working together

Pleco is the undisputed king of Chinese dictionaries. It is the single most recommended app across every Chinese learning community, and for good reason. The free version gives you a solid dictionary with handwriting recognition, but the paid add-ons transform it into an all-in-one learning tool. The OCR feature lets you point your camera at Chinese text and get instant translations. The document reader lets you import articles and tap any word for definitions. If you only spend money on one Chinese learning tool, make it Pleco.

Pros: Massive dictionary, handwriting input, camera OCR, works offline. Cons: The best features require paid add-ons, and the interface feels dated compared to newer apps.

Anki uses spaced repetition algorithms to show you cards right before you would forget them. It is incredibly effective but requires discipline. You can download shared decks or create your own. The desktop version is free, but the iOS app costs a one-time fee. Android is free.

Hack Chinese is a newer alternative designed specifically for Chinese learners. It comes with pre-built decks organized by HSK level and frequency, so you spend less time setting up and more time studying. The interface is cleaner than Anki, though it requires a subscription.

Pros of Anki: Free (desktop/Android), highly customizable, massive community. Cons of Anki: Steep learning curve, ugly default interface, requires self-discipline to create good cards.

Du Chinese is widely considered the best reading app for Chinese learners. It offers graded readers at every level from complete beginner to advanced, with topics ranging from daily life to Chinese culture. You can tap any word for a pinyin reading and definition, and the audio narration helps with listening comprehension. Reading in context is one of the most effective ways to cement vocabulary.

Pros: Excellent graded content, clean interface, audio for every article, tracks your level. Cons: Subscription required for full access, content library is large but finite.

HelloChinese is the best app for absolute beginners. It teaches through short, game-like lessons covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and even character writing with stroke-order practice. The speech recognition gives feedback on your tones, which is critical in the early stages.

ChinesePod takes a podcast-based approach with thousands of lessons at every level. Each lesson centers on a real-life dialogue, followed by detailed explanations. It is better suited for intermediate learners who already have basic vocabulary and want to improve listening and natural expression.

Pros of HelloChinese: Free to start, gamified, strong pronunciation training. Cons of HelloChinese: Content tops out around HSK 3-4, so you will outgrow it.

Skritter focuses specifically on writing Chinese characters by hand. It uses your finger or a stylus to practice stroke order and character recognition. If your goal includes reading handwritten Chinese or passing written exams, Skritter builds that muscle memory. For casual learners who only want to type and read, it is less essential.

Most Chinese learning apps operate on a freemium model. You can get surprisingly far with free tools: Pleco's free dictionary, Anki's free desktop app, and HelloChinese's free beginner lessons form a solid zero-cost foundation. As you advance, investing in Pleco's paid add-ons and a Du Chinese subscription offers the best return on investment.

A daily study session combining multiple apps works best. Start with 10 minutes of Anki flashcards for vocabulary review. Spend 15 minutes on a structured lesson in HelloChinese or ChinesePod. Finish with 15 minutes of reading in Du Chinese. Use Pleco throughout as your reference. This workflow covers input (reading, listening), output (speaking, writing), and review (flashcards) in under 45 minutes.