Best apps like MandarinUp

6+ similar apps compared and reviewed

4.7 avg rating
6 free apps
Updated October 2026
MandarinUp
MandarinUp
Mykhailo Osekretov

MandarinUp is great, but it's not the only option. Explore 6+ similar apps for iPhone and iPad, each reviewed and rated by real users. Find free alternatives, premium upgrades, and hidden gems.

Top Alternatives to MandarinUp

4.8😊(360 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
HSK1 Learn Chinese Chinesimple screenshot 1
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Master Chinese language skills and prepare for the HSK exam with a comprehensive learning path. Features include extensive vocabulary, structured lessons, handwriting practice, flashcards, and real-life sentence examples with native audio. Personalized learning options and engaging gamification make the process enjoyable and effective.

What We Love

  • 📚 Comprehensive vocabulary learning with 4,000+ flashcards
  • 🎮 Diverse interactive games and exercises
  • 🎯 Well-structured HSK level-based curriculum
  • 🗣️ Pronunciation practice with voice recognition
  • ✍️ Hanzi writing practice with stroke order
  • 📖 Extensive dictionary with example sentences
  • 🎨 User-friendly and intuitive interface design
  • 🌍 Multiple language support for learners
  • 📱 Works offline functionality
  • ⭐ One-time purchase option (no subscription required)
  • 🔤 Both simplified and traditional character options
  • 📊 Progress tracking and HSK certification
  • 💬 Responsive customer support team

Room to Improve

  • 💰 Expensive pricing model (£99.99/$100+ for single level)
  • 🔐 Majority of content locked behind paywall (70%+)
  • 📱 Separate apps required for each HSK level
  • 🔄 No synchronization across multiple devices
  • ❌ Subscription only grants access to one HSK app
  • 🎮 Limited free games and story content
  • 📋 Cannot edit or merge vocabulary lists
  • ⚠️ Frequent app crashes and bugs
  • 🖱️ Excessive pop-up tutorials and help windows
  • 🎯 Inconsistent word difficulty levels within HSK 1
  • ✏️ Poor handwriting recognition in writing exercises
  • 🔗 Cross-app dictionary links inaccessible without separate subscription
Skritter: Write Chinese#2

Skritter: Write Chinese by Inkren, Inc.

Learn Mandarin vocabulary fast
Strong Contender
📚 Education
4.7😊(816 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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Master Mandarin characters through interactive writing practice. Learn meanings, readings, and tones with curated decks for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

What We Love

  • 🚀 Excellent for learning and retaining characters
  • 👍 Great interface and user experience
  • 💡 Helpful videos and content
  • 👍 Effective for writing practice and stroke order
  • 👍 Customizable decks and learning options
  • 👍 Integrates well with other apps like Pleco

Room to Improve

  • 🐛 Sync and loading issues
  • 💰 Expensive subscription
  • 🔒 Requires payment info upfront
  • 🐛 Inconsistent character recognition
  • 🐛 Bugs and crashes reported
Laoshi: Learn Chinese & HSK#3

Laoshi: Learn Chinese & HSK by Laoshi Inc.

Flashcards, Grammar & Writing
Worth Considering
📚 Education
4.6(693 ratings)
FreeIn-App Purchases
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Master Mandarin Chinese with smart flashcards, comprehensive grammar explanations, and character writing practice. Prepare for HSK exams and track your progress with scientifically optimized review intervals. Supports importing custom decks.