Top 20 Chinese Learning Apps to Try in 2024

Learning Chinese has never been easier, thanks to the convenience and portability of mobile apps. However, with a myriad of options available today, identifying the right app that aligns with your unique learning style and preferences can be quite a challenge.

Language learning apps offer an enjoyable and often cost-free way to study, but to maximize their effectiveness, it’s crucial to pair them with structured learning approaches, such as personalized tutoring. This combination enhances your overall learning experience and helps solidify your language skills.

Language learning apps are excellent resources for independent study, but they often fall short in providing the personalized guidance and interactive feedback necessary for effective learning. In contrast, a private tutor tailors a unique learning plan specifically designed around your individual style and objectives, ensuring a more engaging and productive experience.

Tutors play a crucial role in crafting effective language learning experiences by prioritizing communicative competence and its practical applications. Their influence goes well beyond teaching grammar and correcting mistakes; they focus on fostering personal development, emotional intelligence, and holistic growth. By guiding students in effective learning strategies, tutors ignite a lifelong passion for education. — Sylvia Johnson, Head of Methodology at LingualNeeds

We’ve carefully evaluated and compiled a list of the top apps for learning Chinese to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your needs. Discover their essential features, pricing options, and the advantages and disadvantages of each, empowering you to make an informed choice that aligns with your learning objectives.

1. LingualNeeds – Best for personalized 1-on-1 lessons

• Best use cases: 1-on-1 lessons with native Chinese speakers
• Pricing: Starting at $5/lesson
• Free trial: No
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

LingualNeeds brings you access to a vast network of over 3,500 skilled Chinese tutors, ready to provide personalized 1-on-1 lessons at budget-friendly rates. These dedicated language professionals focus on accelerating your learning and building your confidence, making LingualNeeds one of the top choices for online Chinese classes.

Once you enroll in 1-on-1 lessons with LingualNeeds, your dedicated tutor will craft customized study plans and resources tailored to your specific goals in learning Chinese. Whether you’re looking to enhance your speaking skills, expand your vocabulary, or master reading and grammar, you’ll receive targeted support. Additionally, the app offers a variety of interactive learning tools, including a whiteboard, flashcards, progress quizzes, and self-study materials, to enrich your educational experience.

Experience the benefits of learning Chinese through interactive video lessons, where you can engage in real-time conversations and receive instant feedback on your pronunciation. Plus, if you’re not satisfied with your tutor, you can easily switch to a different one at no additional cost until you find the perfect match for your learning style.

Pros

• Flexible scheduling
• Personalized lessons based on your learning goals
• Online library of practice exercises, courses, and conversation starters for various topics

Cons

• No free access
• Live video lessons require a strong internet connection

2. HelloChinese – Best for comprehensive gamified learning

• Best use cases: Game-based learning for beginner and intermediate learners

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • Starting at $8.99/month
  • Starting at $19.99 for 3 months ($6.66/month)
  • Starting at $59.99/year ($5/month)
• Free trial: Free version available
• Average rating: 4.9/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Similar to Duolingo, HelloChinese is an expertly crafted app that simplifies complex language concepts into bite-sized lessons. It offers around 50 units focused on practical, everyday topics. The course structure aligns with HSK levels, allowing users to test out of lessons and advance to the next level at their own pace.

Each lesson is designed to be enjoyable and captivating, featuring interactive activities that enhance your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Utilize the voice recognition software to record your speech and assess your pronunciation. Additionally, the app offers a handwriting tool for practicing character writing and a speech recognition feature to help refine your pronunciation further.

With a paid subscription, you unlock a variety of engaging study tools, including interactive games and video and audio lessons led by native speakers. These resources enhance your learning experience and help you master new concepts more effectively.

Pros

• Diverse lessons and exercises available
• Advanced speech recognition technology helps you improve your pronunciation

Cons

• Uninspiring writing lessons
• Not ideal for advanced learners

3. Drops – Best for vocabulary

• Best use cases: Memorizing new Chinese vocabulary

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $13/month
  • $69.99/year ($5.83/month)
  • $159.99 for lifetime access
• Free trial: 14-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Drops is a visually stunning app that offers captivating games designed to enhance your vocabulary daily. It’s an excellent tool to complement one-on-one lessons and various study resources, making learning both enjoyable and effective.

The Drops app stands out with its sleek design and engaging, game-like approach to vocabulary learning. Featuring vibrant animated illustrations and graphics, it makes memorizing new Mandarin words both fun and effective. Plus, it keeps you motivated by tracking your progress across different subjects, including home, family, shopping, and work.

For parents with children learning Chinese, there’s an exciting companion app called Droplets that provides engaging online classes specifically designed for kids. While it’s great for vocabulary building, it could benefit from additional features to enhance skills like speaking, listening, and pronunciation.

Pros

• Fun and bite-sized exercises
• Broad range of vocabulary topics
• Simple, aesthetic design

Cons

• No speaking practice
• Free version is limited to five minutes of practice every 10 hours

4. SuperTest (HSK Online) – Best for test preparation

• Best use cases: Studying for the Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK), or Chinese Proficiency Test

• **Pricing Options:**
  – Free access to select features
  – Monthly plan: ~$16.32
  – 3-month plan: ~$39.82 (~$13.27/month)
  – 6-month plan: ~$53.65 (~$8.94/month)
  – Annual plan: ~$67.47 (~$5.62/month)
  – Lifetime access: ~$96.51
• Free trial: Free version available
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

SuperTest, previously known as HSK Online, is your go-to resource for mastering the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK). It offers a comprehensive array of vocabulary and grammar materials tailored specifically for HSK candidates. With engaging mock tests, SuperTest empowers students to build their confidence and excel in their upcoming HSK exams.

Whether or not you’re preparing for the HSK exam, this app offers a wealth of resources to boost your Chinese language skills. Dive into interactive flashcards, engaging practice lessons, and fun gamified “missions” that make learning enjoyable. The curriculum focuses on enhancing essential skills, including vocabulary, reading, writing, and listening.

The premium version offers a wealth of resources, including a comprehensive library of past tests and detailed post-exam analyses to help you identify areas for improvement. However, it’s important to note that the translations from Chinese to English can sometimes be inaccurate, and while infrequent, some audio files may lack quality.

Pros

• Easy-to-use and well-designed
• Great for improving in formal Mandarin
• Covers all HSK levels

Cons

• Some issues with translation
• Limited access to grammar lessons in the free version
• Not many actual lessons to teach you the language

5. Chinese Grammar by Ninchanese – Best for grammar

• Best use cases: Learning Chinese grammar through structured exercises

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $10/month
  • $54 for 6 months ($9/month)
  • $96/year ($8/month)
• Free trial: 14-day money-back guarantee
• Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Unlock the secrets of Chinese language with Ninchanese’s Chinese Grammar! This comprehensive platform caters to learners at every level, from beginners to advanced students, offering a wealth of resources. The free version is packed with over 10,000 vocabulary words, an extensive dictionary, character breakdowns, and more than 100 engaging grammar lessons. Dive in and enhance your Chinese skills today!

Elevate your Chinese language skills by joining others in the exciting game of “Ninchallenges.” As you play, you’ll earn points by “collecting” various Chinese characters, providing a fun and motivating way to enhance your learning experience.

For those seeking a deeper learning experience, our premium membership offers structured courses and a customized review system that utilizes spaced repetition to enhance your vocabulary retention. You’ll gain access to over 1,500 dialogues and more than 10,000 contextual example sentences, making it easier to grasp new words in real-life situations. Plus, our integrated voice recognition tool allows you to refine your Chinese pronunciation and tones effectively.

Pros

• Comprehensive grammar lessons structured by HSK levels
• Offline access available

Cons

• Only teaches simplified Chinese, not traditional
• No speaking practice

6. LingoDeer – Best for beginner grammar

• Best use cases: Learning beginner to intermediate Chinese grammar

• Pricing: 
  • $14.99/month
  • $39.99 for 3 months ($13.33/month)
  • $79.99/year ($6.67/month)
  • $159.99 for lifetime access
• Free trial: Free first lesson
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

LingoDeer provides comprehensive Chinese language courses that cover essential grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. What sets LingoDeer apart from other apps is its unique focus on pronunciation, featuring exercises specifically crafted to help you achieve a native-like accent.

LingoDeer employs a memory reinforcement strategy to enhance your retention of new Chinese vocabulary and concepts. What truly sets this app apart is its innovative fluency practice exercises, which accurately assess your pronunciation skills, helping you sound more natural in your speech.

This resource features a handy travel phrasebook, offline access, and a variety of games and drills to enhance your learning experience. However, if you’re interested in mastering the art of writing Mandarin characters, you may need to seek additional materials.

Pros

• Clean, user-friendly design
• Tons of listening and speaking resources

Cons

• Exercises can get repetitive
• No writing practice

7. Du Chinese – Best for graded reading practice

• Best use cases: Improving your reading comprehension, especially if you’re a beginner

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some lessons
  • $14.99/month
  • $79.99 for 6 months ($13.33/month)
  • $119.99/year ($9.99/month)
• Free trial: Free lessons
• Average rating: 4.9/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Du Chinese features a powerful built-in dictionary that not only defines words but also illustrates their usage in context, enhancing your ability to remember them. Each lesson is accompanied by thorough translations into fluent English, expertly crafted by certified instructors to guarantee precision and practicality.

The app is constantly evolving, featuring more than 2,500 Chinese lessons, with five to six fresh lessons introduced each week. Lessons are carefully organized by difficulty and subject, allowing you to customize your learning journey according to your interests.

Du Chinese enhances your learning experience by seamlessly connecting with external dictionaries like Pleco, allowing you to look up words without ever leaving the app. You can easily switch between pinyin and English translations based on your preferences. Plus, for a more tailored vocabulary practice, you can create flashcards directly from the lessons.

Pros

• Frequently updated with engaging content
• High-quality audio with clear pronunciation from native speakers

Cons

• No writing or grammar practice
• Not ideal for advanced learners

8. Pimsleur – Best for listening comprehension

• Best use cases: Speaking and listening to guided conversations

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $20/month
  • $21/month for access to all 50+ languages
• Free trial: 7-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Pimsleur stands out as the top choice for beginners to upper-intermediate learners looking to enhance their Chinese listening skills. Known for its effective audio lessons that boost listening comprehension, Pimsleur has recently expanded its offerings to include a variety of additional tools such as flashcards, reading exercises, and quizzes, making learning even more engaging and comprehensive.

This app offers 30 minutes of daily audio exercises designed to enhance your comprehension of spoken Mandarin. Focusing on both Mandarin and Cantonese, it places a strong emphasis on pronunciation, helping you to not only understand the language better but also to sound more like a native speaker.

While the Pimsleur method offers a unique approach to language learning, it may not suit everyone. Some users find the lessons can become repetitive, and the grammar explanations might not be as thorough as needed for a comprehensive understanding.

Pros

• Voice coach feature provides pronunciation feedback
• Hands-free “driving mode” allows you to learn on the go

Cons

• Lessons can be dull
• Little to no speaking or writing practice

9. Standard Mandarin – Best for pronunciation

• Best use cases: Practicing Mandarin Chinese pronunciation and tones
• Pricing:
  • Free access to some features
  • $9.99 one-time payment for mobile version
  • $39.95 one-time payment for desktop version
• Free trial: Free version available
• Average rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Available on web, desktop, and iOS

Standard Mandarin focuses on helping you grasp the intricate tonal features of Mandarin Chinese. Establishing a solid foundation is crucial, as it prevents the formation of bad pronunciation habits that can be challenging to correct later on.

The app features intricate drawings and animations of mouth anatomy, serving as a visual guide for accurately producing Chinese sounds. Each pinyin syllable comes with an in-depth explanation of how to position your tongue and use facial muscles, along with comparisons to familiar English sounds, making the learning process more intuitive and effective.

Standard Mandarin offers a range of features designed to enhance your language learning experience. It provides tools for constructing sentences, annotating Chinese texts with pinyin, and transforming pinyin with tone numbers into accurate tone marks. Additionally, you’ll find a searchable glossary of Chinese idioms (chengyu) available in Chinese, pinyin, or English, making it easier to explore these rich expressions.

Pros

• Provides visual guides and practical tips for pronunciation
• Helpful for students who are new to speaking a tonal language

Cons

• No reading or writing practice
• Not available on Android

10. Skritter – Best for handwriting

• Best use cases: Mastering simplified and traditional Chinese characters

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $14.99/month
  • $59.99 for 6 months ($9.99/month)
  • $99.99/year ($8.33/month)
• Free trial: 7-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Skritter is an innovative flashcard and handwriting app designed to enhance your ability to memorize and write Chinese characters. With a vast selection of vocabulary drawn from hundreds of textbooks and thousands of user-generated lists, Skritter offers a comprehensive resource for learners at all levels.

The app utilizes advanced spaced repetition techniques combined with a seamless on-screen handwriting feature to help you master Mandarin characters, ensuring you learn the correct stroke order. Additionally, you’ll explore character decomposition, which breaks down the fundamental components of Chinese characters, making it easier for you to memorize words effectively.

Skritter not only tracks your progress as you master new characters, but it also motivates you to return and continue learning. Plus, you can seamlessly connect it with popular dictionary apps like Pleco for an enhanced study experience.

For learners who thrive on varied instructional methods, relying solely on a flashcard system may lack the engagement they need. Exploring additional strategies can enhance their learning experience.

Skritter is an excellent app for mastering Mandarin writing, but it lacks a variety of additional features. To enhance your learning experience, consider using it alongside other resources for a more comprehensive approach.

Pros

• Huge database of wordlists
• Detailed character stroke order exercises
• Highly customizable

Cons

• No speaking or listening practice
• Flashcard learning can become repetitive

11. M Mandarin – Best for visual learners

• Best use cases: Reading Chinese comics to learn vocabulary, grammar, and culture

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $6.99/month
  • $17.99 for 3 months ($4.33/month)
  • $64.99/year ($5.42/month)
• Free trial: 3-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

M Mandarin stands out as the pioneering app that leverages the captivating world of manga and webtoons to assist learners in preparing for the HSK test. This innovative approach makes it an ideal resource for visual learners and comic lovers alike. Each manga is thoughtfully categorized by difficulty, ensuring that the vocabulary and grammar align perfectly with the HSK standards for each level.

The app features an impressive library filled with over 800 lessons, offering a wealth of resources for learners. With more than 6,000 words, 7,000 sentences, and 400 grammar points, it provides a comprehensive learning experience. Additionally, you’ll find a remarkable collection of 20,000 audio recordings and 50,000 comics, covering a wide range of themes and genres to suit different tastes and learning styles.

M Mandarin enhances the learning experience by incorporating interactive elements, such as clickable speech bubbles in comics that allow users to hear audio recordings from native speakers. The app also provides occasional summary videos that delve into cultural insights and grammar tips, offering learners valuable context to deepen their understanding.

Pros

• Covers beginner to advanced levels, based on the HSK exam
• Includes interactive features like voice recognition to improve pronunciation

Cons

• Some users have reported that the audio recordings are too fast for beginners
• Some reviews mention bugs or glitches, especially when purchasing a subscription

12. The Chairman’s Bao – Best for current events

• Best use cases: Improving your reading and listening skills through news-based lessons

• Pricing: 
  • $10/month
  • $25 for 3 months ($8.33/month)
  • $45 for 6 months ($7.50/month)
  • $80/year ($6.67/month)
  • $140 for 2 years ($5.83/month)
  • $350 for lifetime access
• Free trial: Free sample lessons
• Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

The Chairman’s Bao (TCB) is an innovative graded news reader designed for learners at all levels, from beginners to advanced students. By using current news articles, TCB offers a fresh and engaging way to learn Mandarin Chinese, immersing users in contemporary culture while enhancing their language skills.

TCB offers users a collection of concise, captivating news articles from China, each designed to be read in just a few minutes. These articles are categorized by HSK levels and span ten diverse topics, including technology, business, and culture, making it easy for readers to find content that matches their interests and language proficiency.

The articles are enhanced with vocabulary and grammar sections, along with audio recordings of native speakers narrating the stories. Additionally, the app offers writing exercises that guide users in tracing the stroke order of Chinese characters. However, TCB does have some glitches, such as missing words in audio recordings and discrepancies between the spoken and written content.

Pros

• Suitable for all proficiency levels
• New articles added daily
• Offline mode available

Cons

• Dictionary section has glitches
• Audio recordings don’t always match the article text perfectly

13. Daily Chinese – Best for updated HSK levels

• Best use cases: Learning advanced, industry-specific Chinese vocabulary at HSK 6 and beyond

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $8/month
  • $72/year ($6/month)
• Free trial: Free version available
• Average rating: 4.5/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Daily Chinese offers an extensive library of resources for mastering Chinese characters. Its diverse content spans essential topics like grammar and travel, as well as specialized areas including Buddhism and industry-specific language such as finance, software, and email etiquette.

Daily Chinese stands out by offering the latest official vocabulary lists for all nine levels of the HSK, ensuring you study the most current and relevant material. With HSK levels 7 to 9 newly added in 2024, many other HSK-based apps may not yet include this updated content.

The app leverages spaced repetition to enhance your long-term retention of new vocabulary. Its review status feature allows you to track your progress by displaying the words you’ve mastered, those you’re actively reviewing, and the ones you haven’t yet learned.

The free version allows for just one “daily review” each day, but by subscribing to the paid plan, you unlock unlimited access to daily reviews, enhancing your learning experience.

Pros

• Extensive character collection covering all levels
• Supports higher level vocabulary beyond HSK 6

Cons

• No conversational practice or grammar lessons
• Some users report technical issues

14. Rocket Chinese – Best for audio lessons

• Best use cases: Learning through downloadable audio lessons

• Pricing: 
  • $149.95 for Level 1
  • $299.90 for Levels 1 and 2
  • $449.85 for Levels 1 through 3
• Free trial: Free intro lessons
• Average rating: 4.4/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Rocket Languages offers an engaging course called Rocket Chinese, packed with a wealth of audio files designed to enhance your listening skills and comprehension. This self-paced audio program immerses you in the Chinese language and culture through practical, real-world scenarios, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

Rocket Chinese offers dynamic audio lessons across multiple categories, including language, culture, writing, and a handy “survival kit” filled with essential vocabulary. Each course level features around 30 structured lessons, carefully categorized into three difficulty tiers: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This ensures learners can progress at their own pace while mastering the language.

Every audio lesson is delivered by native Chinese speakers who are dedicated to inspiring and supporting learners in improving their listening skills. The mobile version offers exciting gamified elements, such as a leaderboard that allows you to track your progress and see how you stack up against other users.

Many lessons tend to be lengthy, which can be challenging for individuals with shorter attention spans. Additionally, the instruction is delivered in English instead of providing an immersive experience in Chinese.

Pros

• Easy-to-follow courses
• Hundreds of audio files to help with pronunciation
• Includes a website platform and downloadable lessons

Cons

• Low-quality writing lessons
• Poor speech recognition feature
• Relatively expensive

15. Mondly – Best for VR and AR learning

• Best use cases: Learning practical Chinese vocabulary and phrases with new technology

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $9.99/month
  • $47.99/year ($3.99/month)
• Free trial: 7-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.8/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Mondly is a budget-friendly and user-friendly app designed to help you master essential Chinese vocabulary and grammar. With its engaging bite-sized daily lessons and weekly quizzes, you can easily build your language skills. The app also offers fun monthly challenges to keep you motivated. Each lesson includes interactive exercises for listening, reading, writing, and speaking, along with a ranking system that lets you see how you measure up against fellow Mandarin learners.

If you’re a fan of gamified learning, you’ll love the app’s augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) activities. These features allow you to practice speaking Chinese in immersive settings, such as a grocery store or a restaurant. Plus, the app provides real-time corrections to help you improve your skills on the spot.

While this tool is beneficial for beginners, those aiming for advanced proficiency will eventually need to seek additional resources to engage in authentic conversations.

Pros

• Short, engaging lessons
• Affordable option

Cons

• Not suited for advanced learners
• Limited grammar practice

16. ChineseClass101 – Best for continuous learning

• Best use cases: Improving your vocabulary and listening skills with podcasts

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • Starting at $4/month
• Free trial: 7-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire

ChineseClass101 offers an extensive and continually expanding array of lessons and resources for learners. Its thoughtfully designed exercises cater to beginners and often incorporate fascinating cultural insights, positioning it as one of the top choices for mastering Mandarin.

ChineseClass101 offers a dynamic learning experience with its engaging audio and video lessons, complemented by vocabulary lists, digital notepads, and interactive flashcards. Learners also benefit from tailored teacher support, regular progress updates, and access to a comprehensive library of over 2,000 essential Chinese words and phrases.

The app consistently enriches its library with fresh content, ensuring you always have new material to explore. However, it’s important to note that most lessons are delivered in English, making it less ideal for advanced learners or those seeking a more immersive educational experience.

Pros

• More than 1,300 available lessons
• Diverse range of topics available
• Suited for beginners

Cons

• Lengthy lessons
• No practice for writing Chinese characters

17. Pleco – Best dictionary app

• Best use cases: Translating Chinese to English

• **Pricing**: Free access to select features; add-on features available for a one-time fee starting at $4.99, with bundled add-on options beginning at $29.99.
• Free trial: Free version available
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

Learning new vocabulary can be tough, particularly when it comes to Mandarin. Fortunately, Pleco provides valuable resources such as flashcards and an extensive Chinese dictionary, making it easier to master and retain Chinese characters.

Pleco stands out as one of the top Chinese dictionary apps, celebrated for its practicality and user-friendliness. It offers a wealth of example sentences that illustrate how words are used in context, enhancing your understanding. Plus, you can look up terms using various input methods, such as scanning menu items with your smartphone camera or uploading PDFs for quick reference in its document reader.

The flashcard feature in Pleco allows you to effortlessly save words from the dictionary and review them at your convenience. However, the simplicity of creating flashcards can lead to a rapid accumulation of cards, which may leave you feeling overwhelmed as you try to manage them all.

While this app is a great tool for enhancing your vocabulary, remember that developing speaking and listening skills is equally important for effectively using those new words in real-life situations.

Pros

• Create flashcards from outside sources
• Option to import and export your word lists

Cons

• No support to improve skills other than vocabulary
• Advanced features and dictionaries require in-app purchases

18. Duolingo – Best free app

• Best use cases: Building a consistent daily study habit

• Pricing: 
  • Free access to some features
  • $12.99/month
  • $83.99/year ($6.99/month)
• Free trial: 14-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.7/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

If you’re looking to learn Chinese online without spending a dime, Duolingo is a top contender. This platform features an intuitive user interface and offers engaging, gamified exercises that make the learning experience both enjoyable and addictive. Dive into your Chinese language journey with Duolingo and discover how fun learning can be!

Duolingo offers a structured learning path that takes you through various units and chapters, covering essential topics such as family, work, food, and greetings. Each level is designed with interactive exercises and quizzes, complemented by a rewarding point system to keep you motivated and engaged throughout your language-learning journey.

While this app is excellent for picking up basic Chinese vocabulary, solely working through individual exercises may not effectively prepare you for conversational speaking. To truly enhance your skills, consider supplementing your learning with personalized 1-on-1 lessons.

Pros

• Modern, attractive design
• Great for learning new vocabulary
• Tracks your learning progress

Cons

• Teaches random phrases out of context
• Gamification gives an illusion of actual progress
• No speaking practice

19. MosaLingua – Best for flashcards

• Best use cases: Learning everyday Chinese vocabulary
• Pricing: 
  • $9.49/month
  • $59.90/year ($4.99/month)
• Free trial: 15-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.6/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

MosaLingua is a renowned language-learning platform that offers courses in various languages, including Mandarin Chinese. This innovative app employs an effective flashcard system to enhance your learning experience, guiding you through a dynamic process of listening, repeating, memorizing, writing, and self-assessing your progress.

The MosaLingua flashcard library offers a unique selection of engaging and practical topics, including socializing, phone conversations, and handling emergencies. This distinctive focus sets it apart from typical language apps that often emphasize basic themes like weather, family, body parts, and colors. Plus, you can effortlessly create personalized flashcards using various dictionaries, allowing you to tailor your learning experience to fit your needs.

The premium membership offers a wealth of resources, including videos, books, and audiobooks. However, it’s important to note that these features are exclusively available on the web version of MosaLingua, which is also more affordable than the app.

Pros

• Thousands of pre-made flashcards
• Highly customizable flashcards
• Frequently updated with new content

Cons

• Not very well-designed
• No clear overview or walkthrough for new users
• Can get repetitive

20. FluentU – Best for multimedia learning

• Best use cases: Learning Chinese through real-world media like music videos, movie trailers, and news
• Pricing: $29.99/month
• Free trial: 14-day free trial
• Average rating: 4.3/5 stars
• Available on web, iOS, and Android

FluentU provides users with an extensive collection of real-world videos, enhancing their understanding of Chinese vocabulary and grammar. This app is perfect for learners who thrive on engaging with authentic Mandarin conversations, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective.

FluentU offers a rich array of video content that spans various topics, including business, culture, sports, and entertainment. With resources tailored for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners, there’s something for everyone to enhance their skills and knowledge.

FluentU’s app offers a unique feature that lets you transform your favorite Chinese videos—like movies, TV shows, and music videos—into personalized learning materials. This not only enhances your listening skills but also deepens your cultural understanding. However, if you’re looking to boost your speaking, reading, and writing abilities, you might find more suitable apps tailored for those specific skills.

Pros

• Huge library of video content
• Fun quizzes and study tools
• Good for casual, self-paced learning

Cons

• More expensive subscription
• No formal grammar practice

How to choose the best app to learn Mandarin

When choosing the ideal app for learning Mandarin Chinese, it’s important to evaluate its key features and how they align with your personal learning objectives and preferences. This will help you find the most effective tool to enhance your language skills.

For example, assess whether the resources prioritize reading, speaking, listening, or writing skills. Additionally, explore the teaching methods employed, such as flashcards, video lessons, or personalized one-on-one instruction.

You can also evaluate the app’s usefulness by asking questions that are important to you. For example:

• Is it easy to use?
• Does it have an attractive and engaging user interface?
• Does it fit your budget and your schedule?

Ultimately, reflect on your priorities in your language learning journey. Consider your goals and the tools that will help you achieve them. Once you have a clear vision, download the app(s) that will empower you to make significant progress.

Experiment with the best apps to learn Chinese

If you’re eager to learn Chinese using a language app, you’re in luck! There are numerous platforms available that cater to learners of all levels, emphasize different language skills, and employ a variety of teaching methods. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find an app that suits your needs.

You don’t need to rely on just one tool for mastering Chinese. Embrace a variety of apps to enhance your learning experience! This approach is particularly beneficial when paired with personalized one-on-one lessons, where a skilled tutor can suggest the most effective supplemental apps tailored to your needs.

Discover your ideal Chinese tutor with LingualNeeds, where you can select from an impressive pool of over 3,500 online educators. Simply take a brief quiz outlining your current proficiency and language aspirations, and you’ll receive personalized tutor recommendations tailored to your budget, schedule, and preferences. Start your language-learning journey today!

With 1-on-1 video lessons from a private tutor, you can start practicing your speaking skills right away, accelerating your journey to fluency. Each session is tailored to your specific goals, ensuring you make rapid progress. Additionally, the flexibility to schedule lessons at your convenience makes it easy to incorporate language learning into your busy lifestyle.