Best Chinese Learning Apps in 2025: HSK Lord vs Competitors

With hundreds of Chinese learning apps available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This comprehensive comparison helps you find the best app for your goals, whether you're preparing for HSK tests or seeking conversational fluency.

What Makes a Great Chinese Learning App?

Essential Features

1. Spaced Repetition System

• Scientifically optimized review schedule
• Prevents forgetting
• Manages large vocabulary efficiently

2. HSK-Aligned Content

• Clear progression through HSK levels
• Official vocabulary lists
• Test preparation materials

3. Audio Quality

• Native speaker pronunciation
• Clear tone distinction
• Example sentences with audio

4. Progress Tracking

• Statistics and analytics
• Streak counting
• Goal setting

5. Multi-Platform Support

• Mobile (iOS/Android)
• Web browser access
• Sync across devices

The Comprehensive Comparison

1. HSK Lord

Best for: HSK test preparation, spaced repetition, vocabulary mastery

Strengths:

• ✅ Optimized specifically for HSK levels 1-6
• ✅ Intelligent spaced repetition algorithm
• ✅ All 5,000+ HSK words with example sentences
• ✅ Clean, distraction-free interface
• ✅ Progress tracking across all levels
• ✅ Completely free
• ✅ Web-based (works everywhere)

Features:

• Spaced repetition flashcards
• HSK 1-6 complete vocabulary
• Example sentences for context
• Audio pronunciations
• Daily review system
• Word catalog browser
• Progress analytics
• Number practice mode

Pricing: Free

Ideal User: Anyone preparing for HSK tests or wanting systematic vocabulary building

What users say:

"HSK Lord's spaced repetition made 2,500 words manageable. I passed HSK 5 thanks to consistent daily reviews." - Sarah, HSK 5

2. Duolingo Chinese

Best for: Complete beginners, gamified learning

Strengths:

• ✅ Completely free (with ads)
• ✅ Gamified, fun interface
• ✅ Teaches grammar + vocabulary
• ✅ Daily streak motivation
• ✅ Mobile-friendly

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Not HSK-aligned
• ❌ Random vocabulary selection
• ❌ Limited advanced content
• ❌ No spaced repetition
• ❌ Ads can be intrusive

Pricing: Free (Duolingo Plus: $12.99/month)

Ideal User: Casual learners, complete beginners wanting fun introduction

3. Anki (with Chinese decks)

Best for: Customization, advanced users

Strengths:

• ✅ Powerful spaced repetition
• ✅ Highly customizable
• ✅ Free (desktop) + community decks
• ✅ Supports images, audio, video
• ✅ Cross-platform sync

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Steep learning curve
• ❌ Not beginner-friendly
• ❌ Interface is dated
• ❌ Requires finding/creating good decks
• ❌ Mobile app costs money ($25 iOS)

Pricing: Free (desktop), $25 (iOS), Free (Android)

Ideal User: Tech-savvy learners who want complete control

4. Pleco

Best for: Dictionary, character lookup, flashcards

Strengths:

• ✅ Best Chinese-English dictionary
• ✅ Handwriting recognition
• ✅ Optical character recognition (OCR)
• ✅ Professional quality
• ✅ Offline functionality

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Flashcard system requires paid add-on
• ❌ Not structured course
• ❌ Interface can be overwhelming
• ❌ Many features locked behind paywall

Pricing: Free (basic), Add-ons: $5-$30 each

Ideal User: Serious learners needing powerful dictionary and lookup tools

5. HelloChinese

Best for: Structured beginner courses

Strengths:

• ✅ Well-designed lessons
• ✅ Speech recognition
• ✅ Grammar explanations
• ✅ Gamified elements
• ✅ HSK-aligned content

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Most content requires premium ($12.99/month)
• ❌ Limited advanced content
• ❌ Less effective spaced repetition
• ❌ Primarily mobile-focused

Pricing: Free (limited), Premium: $12.99/month or $69.99/year

Ideal User: Beginners (HSK 1-3) wanting structured lessons

6. ChineseSkill

Best for: Interactive beginner lessons

Strengths:

• ✅ Well-structured curriculum
• ✅ Interactive exercises
• ✅ Good character teaching
• ✅ Relatively affordable

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Limited content beyond HSK 3
• ❌ Ads in free version
• ❌ Less comprehensive than competitors
• ❌ Smaller user community

Pricing: Free (with ads), Premium: $8.99/month

Ideal User: Beginners (HSK 1-3) preferring mobile learning

7. Skritter

Best for: Character writing practice

Strengths:

• ✅ Excellent handwriting recognition
• ✅ Stroke order teaching
• ✅ Spaced repetition for writing
• ✅ Detailed character breakdowns

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Expensive ($14.99/month)
• ❌ Focuses only on writing
• ❌ Doesn't teach grammar/conversation
• ❌ Requires separate vocabulary learning

Pricing: $14.99/month or $99.99/year

Ideal User: Learners serious about character writing mastery

8. LingoDeer

Best for: Grammar-focused learning

Strengths:

• ✅ Excellent grammar explanations
• ✅ Well-structured lessons
• ✅ Multiple Asian language support
• ✅ Good for visual learners

Weaknesses:

• ❌ Requires premium ($14.99/month)
• ❌ Not HSK-specific
• ❌ Limited advanced content
• ❌ Less focus on vocabulary building

Pricing: $14.99/month or $79.99/year

Ideal User: Learners wanting clear grammar explanations

The Comparison Matrix

| Feature | HSK Lord | Duolingo | Anki | Pleco | HelloChinese | Skritter | |---------|----------|----------|------|-------|--------------|----------| | HSK Aligned | ✅ | ❌ | Depends | Optional | ✅ | Optional | | Spaced Repetition | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅* | Limited | ✅ | | Free Option | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (desktop) | ✅ (basic) | Limited | ❌ | | Audio Quality | ✅ | ✅ | Depends | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | | Writing Practice | ❌ | Limited | Optional | Add-on | ✅ | ✅ | | Grammar Lessons | ❌ | ✅ | Optional | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | | Advanced Content | ✅ (HSK 6) | ❌ | Depends | ✅ | Limited | Optional | | Mobile App | Web | ✅ | ✅* | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | | Beginner Friendly | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |

*Additional cost for some features

Recommended Combinations

For HSK Test Takers

Primary: HSK Lord (vocabulary + spaced repetition) Supplement: HelloChinese (grammar lessons) Reference: Pleco (dictionary lookup)

Why: HSK Lord handles vocabulary efficiently, HelloChinese explains grammar, Pleco fills lookup needs.

For Complete Beginners

Primary: Duolingo or HelloChinese (structured introduction) Transition to: HSK Lord (serious vocabulary building) Add: Pleco (dictionary)

Why: Start with friendly introduction, switch to efficient spaced repetition for serious progress.

For Serious Learners

Primary: HSK Lord (vocabulary) Add: Skritter (writing practice) Add: iTalki (tutoring) Reference: Pleco (dictionary)

Why: Comprehensive approach covering all skills with professional tools.

For Budget Learners

Primary: HSK Lord (free, complete HSK vocabulary) Add: Anki (free desktop) Add: HelloTalk (free language exchange) Reference: Pleco free version

Why: All essential features available free.

By Learning Goal

Goal: Pass HSK Tests

Best Choice: HSK Lord Why: Specifically designed for HSK preparation, covers all 5,000 words, scientifically optimized review schedule.

Support with:

• Official HSK practice tests
• HSK standard course textbooks
• Language exchange practice

Goal: Conversational Fluency

Best Choice: HelloChinese + Language Exchange Why: Balanced grammar and vocabulary with speaking practice.

Support with:

• HSK Lord (vocabulary building)
• iTalki or Preply (tutoring)
• Chinese media consumption

Goal: Character Mastery

Best Choice: Skritter Why: Specialized handwriting practice with immediate feedback.

Support with:

• HSK Lord (character recognition)
• Writing practice books
• Character etymology study

Goal: Reading Comprehension

Best Choice: HSK Lord + Extensive Reading Why: Build vocabulary foundation, then read extensively.

Support with:

• Du Chinese (graded readers)
• The Chairman's Bao (news articles)
• Chinese novels/manga

Pricing Breakdown (2025)

Free Options

• HSK Lord: Completely free
• Duolingo: Free with ads
• Anki: Free (desktop), $25 (iOS one-time)
• Pleco: Free basic version

Budget ($0-10/month)

• ChineseSkill Premium: $8.99/month
• Duolingo Plus: $12.99/month

Mid-Range ($10-20/month)

• HelloChinese: $12.99/month
• LingoDeer: $14.99/month
• Skritter: $14.99/month

Premium Options

• Tutoring (iTalki): $10-30/lesson
• Professional courses: $50-200/month

The Verdict

Best Overall: HSK Lord

Why:

1. HSK-specific: Designed for test preparation
2. Free: No cost barrier
3. Scientific: Proven spaced repetition
4. Complete: All HSK levels covered
5. Efficient: Focus on what matters most - vocabulary

Perfect for:

• HSK test preparation
• Systematic vocabulary building
• All levels (HSK 1-6)
• Budget-conscious learners

Runner-Up: Combination Approach

HSK Lord (vocabulary) + HelloChinese (grammar) + Pleco (reference)

Total cost: $12.99/month (or use free versions)

Why: Covers all bases - vocabulary, grammar, and reference tools.

Making Your Decision

Choose HSK Lord if you:

• ✅ Want to pass HSK tests
• ✅ Need systematic vocabulary building
• ✅ Prefer focused, efficient study
• ✅ Want science-backed method (spaced repetition)
• ✅ Appreciate free quality tools

Choose Duolingo if you:

• ✅ Are complete beginner
• ✅ Want gamified fun learning
• ✅ Prefer casual, daily practice
• ✅ Don't care about HSK tests specifically

Choose Anki if you:

• ✅ Want total customization
• ✅ Are tech-savvy
• ✅ Already know how to use Anki
• ✅ Want to create custom decks

Choose Pleco if you:

• ✅ Need professional dictionary
• ✅ Want character lookup tools
• ✅ Serious about long-term learning
• ✅ Happy to pay for quality

Pro Tips

Tip 1: Don't Use Too Many Apps

Problem: App-hopping wastes time Solution: Pick 1-2 main apps, stick with them

Tip 2: Combine Digital with Real Practice

Apps are tools, not solutions:

• Use apps for vocabulary
• Practice conversation with humans
• Read real Chinese content
• Write by hand sometimes

Tip 3: Consistency > Perfect App

The best app is the one you actually use daily.

• HSK Lord at 20 min/day > Perfect app unused
• Simple routine beats complex system
• Build habits, not collections

Conclusion

In 2025, HSK Lord stands out as the best free, HSK-focused Chinese learning app with scientific spaced repetition. For learners serious about passing HSK tests and building solid vocabulary foundations, it's the clear choice.

However, combining HSK Lord with supplementary tools (grammar apps, dictionaries, tutoring) creates the most comprehensive learning system. The key is consistent daily practice with tools that match your goals.

Ready to start your Chinese learning journey with the most efficient method? Begin learning with HSK Lord and master all HSK levels with intelligent spaced repetition - completely free.

Related Articles:

• Spaced Repetition for Chinese
• Complete HSK 1 Study Guide
• How to Use Flashcards Effectively