Chinese Vocabulary Apps Comparison: Find the Best App for Learning

With dozens of Chinese vocabulary apps available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This comprehensive comparison reviews the best apps for learning Chinese vocabulary, helping you find the perfect tool for your learning style and goals. For comprehensive vocabulary learning strategies, see our Chinese vocabulary learning guide and vocabulary hub.

Comparison Criteria

We evaluated apps based on:

• Vocabulary Coverage: HSK vocabulary completeness
• Spaced Repetition: Quality of SRS implementation
• Chinese Features: Pinyin, tones, characters
• User Experience: Ease of use and design
• Pricing: Value for money
• Mobile Experience: App quality and features

Top Chinese Vocabulary Apps

HSK Lord

Best For: HSK-focused vocabulary learning

Vocabulary: Complete HSK 1-6 (5,000+ words)

Key Features:

• Pre-loaded HSK vocabulary
• Intelligent spaced repetition
• Pinyin, tones, characters
• Example sentences
• Progress tracking by HSK level
• Mobile apps with offline support

Pricing: Free (10 cards/day) + $8 CAD/month (unlimited)

Strengths:

• Specifically designed for HSK
• Zero setup required
• Excellent SRS algorithm
• Comprehensive tracking

Weaknesses:

• Focused on vocabulary (less grammar)
• Newer app

Verdict: Best for HSK vocabulary learning. Excellent value and HSK-specific optimization.

Anki

Best For: Customizable vocabulary learning

Vocabulary: Depends on deck (many HSK decks available)

Key Features:

• Highly customizable
• SM-2 spaced repetition
• Large deck library
• Free on desktop
• Works for any language

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

Strengths:

• Complete customization
• Free on desktop
• Proven algorithm
• Large community

Weaknesses:

• Requires setup
• Quality varies by deck
• Steeper learning curve

Verdict: Best for learners who want maximum control and customization.

HelloChinese

Best For: Comprehensive Chinese learning

Vocabulary: HSK 1-4 coverage with lessons

Key Features:

• Interactive lessons
• Speech recognition
• Grammar explanations
• Character writing
• Gamified learning

Pricing: Free tier + $9.99/month premium

Strengths:

• Comprehensive approach
• Good for beginners
• Interactive and engaging
• Includes grammar

Weaknesses:

• Less focused on vocabulary
• Limited to HSK 1-4
• More expensive
• Less efficient for pure vocabulary

Verdict: Good for comprehensive learning, less efficient for pure vocabulary study.

Pleco

Best For: Dictionary and reference

Vocabulary: Comprehensive dictionary

Key Features:

• Best Chinese dictionary
• Character recognition
• Flashcard add-on
• Example sentences
• Offline functionality

Pricing: Free (basic), $9.99+ (flashcard add-on)

Strengths:

• Essential dictionary tool
• Character recognition
• Extensive examples
• Works offline

Weaknesses:

• Primarily dictionary, not learning app
• Flashcard system is add-on
• Less structured for HSK

Verdict: Essential reference tool, but not a primary vocabulary learning app.

Skritter

Best For: Character writing practice

Vocabulary: HSK vocabulary with writing focus

Key Features:

• Character writing focus
• Stroke order training
• Spaced repetition
• Handwriting recognition
• HSK vocabulary included

Pricing: $14.99/month

Strengths:

• Best for character writing
• Excellent stroke order
• Good for visual learners
• HSK vocabulary included

Weaknesses:

• Most expensive option
• Focused on writing
• Can be time-consuming

Verdict: Excellent for character writing, but expensive. Best as supplement to vocabulary apps.

Duolingo Chinese

Best For: Building study habits

Vocabulary: Basic vocabulary, not HSK-aligned

Key Features:

• Gamified learning
• Bite-sized lessons
• Streak system
• Free with ads

Pricing: Free (with ads), $6.99/month (premium)

Strengths:

• Very engaging
• Free to use
• Good for habits
• Beginner-friendly

Weaknesses:

• Not HSK-aligned
• Limited vocabulary depth
• Less effective for advanced
• Not optimized for HSK prep

Verdict: Good for building habits, not ideal for HSK preparation.

Detailed Feature Comparison

HSK Vocabulary Coverage

| App | HSK 1-2 | HSK 3-4 | HSK 5-6 | Notes | |-----|---------|---------|---------|-------| | HSK Lord | ✅ Complete | ✅ Complete | ✅ Complete | All levels covered | | Anki | ⚠️ Depends on deck | ⚠️ Depends on deck | ⚠️ Depends on deck | Quality varies | | HelloChinese | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered | ❌ Limited | Up to HSK 4 | | Pleco | ✅ Dictionary | ✅ Dictionary | ✅ Dictionary | Reference only | | Skritter | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | Writing focus | | Duolingo | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ No | ❌ No | Not HSK-aligned |

Spaced Repetition Quality

HSK Lord: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Optimized for Chinese vocabulary Anki: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Proven SM-2 algorithm HelloChinese: ⭐⭐⭐ Basic SRS Pleco: ⭐⭐ Add-on feature Skritter: ⭐⭐⭐ Good for characters Duolingo: ⭐⭐ Basic repetition

Chinese-Specific Features

HSK Lord: ✅ Pinyin, tones, characters, examples, audio Anki: ⚠️ Depends on deck quality HelloChinese: ✅ Pinyin, tones, characters, audio Pleco: ✅ Comprehensive dictionary features Skritter: ✅ Character writing, stroke order Duolingo: ⚠️ Basic pinyin and tones

Pricing Comparison

Most Affordable:

1. Anki (Free desktop)
2. HSK Lord ($8 CAD/month)
3. Duolingo (Free with ads)
4. HelloChinese ($9.99/month)
5. Pleco ($9.99+ for add-ons)
6. Skritter ($14.99/month - most expensive)

Best Value for HSK: HSK Lord at $8 CAD/month

Recommendations by Use Case

Use Case 1: HSK Test Preparation

Best Choice: HSK Lord

• Complete HSK vocabulary
• HSK-specific features
• Optimized for test prep
• Excellent value

Use Case 2: Character Writing Focus

Best Choice: Skritter + HSK Lord

• Skritter for writing practice
• HSK Lord for vocabulary
• Complementary tools

Use Case 3: Comprehensive Learning

Best Choice: HelloChinese + HSK Lord

• HelloChinese for lessons
• HSK Lord for vocabulary
• Complete learning system

Use Case 4: Maximum Customization

Best Choice: Anki

• Complete control
• Customize everything
• Free on desktop
• Requires setup

Use Case 5: Budget-Conscious Learning

Best Choice: HSK Lord Free Tier + Anki

• HSK Lord free tier (10 cards/day)
• Anki free on desktop
• Effective combination
• Minimal cost

Mobile App Quality

iOS Apps

HSK Lord: ✅ Native app, well-designed, offline Anki: ✅ Full-featured, $25 one-time HelloChinese: ✅ Polished, user-friendly Pleco: ✅ Excellent dictionary Skritter: ✅ Excellent for writing Duolingo: ✅ Well-designed

Android Apps

HSK Lord: ✅ Native app, full features Anki: ✅ Free, full-featured HelloChinese: ✅ Good experience Pleco: ✅ Excellent on Android Skritter: ✅ Works well Duolingo: ✅ Well-optimized

Conclusion

For HSK vocabulary learning, HSK Lord is the best choice due to its:

• Complete HSK 1-6 vocabulary
• HSK-specific optimization
• Excellent spaced repetition
• Affordable pricing
• Simple, effective interface

However, the best app depends on your needs:

• HSK vocabulary: HSK Lord
• Character writing: Skritter
• Comprehensive learning: HelloChinese
• Customization: Anki
• Reference: Pleco
• Building habits: Duolingo

Many successful learners use multiple apps:

• HSK Lord for vocabulary
• Pleco for dictionary
• Skritter for character writing (if needed)
• HelloChinese or Anki for additional content

The key is finding the right combination that works for your learning style and goals.

Ready to start learning Chinese vocabulary? Try HSK Lord for free and experience HSK-optimized vocabulary learning.

FAQ

Which app is best for HSK vocabulary?

HSK Lord is specifically designed for HSK vocabulary with complete coverage of all 6 levels, HSK-specific features, and optimized spaced repetition.

Can I use multiple vocabulary apps?

Yes, many learners use multiple apps. Common combinations: HSK Lord for vocabulary + Pleco for dictionary + Skritter for character writing.

Is it worth paying for premium apps?

For serious HSK preparation, yes. Premium features typically include unlimited study, advanced analytics, and offline access. HSK Lord at $8 CAD/month offers excellent value.

Which app is best for beginners?

HelloChinese and Duolingo are good for absolute beginners. HSK Lord is better once you're ready for focused HSK preparation.

Do I need a dictionary app?

Yes, Pleco is essential as a reference tool. It complements any vocabulary learning app and is the best Chinese dictionary available.

Which app has the best spaced repetition?

HSK Lord and Anki both have excellent spaced repetition. HSK Lord is optimized for Chinese vocabulary, while Anki offers more customization.

Can I learn vocabulary without an app?

Yes, but apps make it much more efficient. Spaced repetition apps can reduce study time by 30-50% compared to traditional methods.

Which app is most affordable?

Anki is free on desktop, HSK Lord offers a generous free tier, and Duolingo is free with ads. For premium features, HSK Lord at $8 CAD/month offers the best value.

Should I use apps or textbooks?

Both. Apps are great for vocabulary and practice, textbooks provide structure and comprehensive content. Use apps for daily practice and textbooks for deeper study.

How do I choose the right app?

Consider: your HSK level, learning style, budget, and goals. For HSK preparation, HSK Lord is the best starting point. Add other apps based on specific needs.

Related Articles:

• Chinese Vocabulary Hub - Complete vocabulary resources
• HSK Lord vs Anki
• Best Spaced Repetition Apps
• Best Chinese Learning Apps for HSK
• Chinese Vocabulary Learning Guide
• HSK Vocabulary List Complete
• Spaced Repetition for Chinese
• Start Learning with HSK Lord