Comparison

CSCA vs XiaoKao

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

CSCA

This app provides engaging science programming and tech ventures focused on computer coding and robotics. It aims to make science exciting through adventure and exploration for students, teachers, and visitors.

Highlights
  • Computer coding programs
  • Robotics ventures
  • Science adventure and exploration
  • Educational outreach
  • Tech-based learning
Features
Read full description

Serving Palm Beach County since 1961, the Cox Science Center revolves around a simple premise: science is exciting! Science means adventure and exploration and we are delivering on this promise by providing schools, visitors and campers an entirely new set of science programming and tech ventures based on computer coding, robotics, and other leading-edge educational programs. These new programs have allowed us to educate more young minds than ever before, now serving over 250,000 students, teachers and visitors annually, including 75,000 through field trips and educational outreach into schools and classrooms.

About

XiaoKao

Features
Read full description

XiaoKao is a complete study companion for the HSK exam (HSK 1 through 6) — built for learners who want real exam readiness, not just flashcards. STUDY THE FULL HSK CURRICULUM • Structured lessons for every level, HSK 1 to HSK 6 • Vocabulary with pinyin, audio pronunciation, and example sentences • Grammar points explained level by level PRACTICE THAT ACTUALLY PREPARES YOU • Full-length mock exams that mirror the real HSK format • Skill drills: listening, reading, and vocabulary recall • Stroke-order writing practice for every character (draw and get instant feedback) • Dictation practice — listen and type/write what you hear • Tone practice to fix the mistakes that matter most for speaking • Sentence writing and translation drills • Speaking practice with audio recording, so you can compare your pronunciation TRACK YOUR PROGRESS • A mistake notebook that automatically collects the words and questions you get wrong, so review time is never wasted • Progress stats by level and by skill • A daily coach that tells you what to study next LEARN IN YOUR OWN LANGUAGE Explanations, grammar notes, and the interface are available in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Indonesian, Malay, Thai, and Khmer. WORKS OFFLINE Download a level once and keep studying without an internet connection. XiaoKao is free to use, with an optional Premium subscription that unlocks the full mock exam bank, the daily coach, unlimited mistake notebook, advanced progress analytics, and an ad-free experience. Subscriptions renew automatically; manage or cancel anytime in your App Store account settings. Questions or feedback? We read every email: sapoinc.support@gmail.com XiaoKao is an independent study app. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Hanban / Chinese Testing International, the organization that administers the HSK examination. "HSK" is used only to describe the exam this app helps you prepare for. Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

CSCA4 screens
XiaoKao4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CSCA at none against XiaoKao's 10. CSCA also leads on ads (none vs shown) and iOS requirement (11.0 vs 15.0). XiaoKao's advantage is update cadence (every 4 days vs every 2 months). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. XiaoKao sells 10 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per 3 months. CSCA asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

CSCA ships an update every 2 months, XiaoKao every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
CSCA versus XiaoKao: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterCSCAXiaoKao
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews100.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 4 days — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS11.0 — better15.0
Further details — not scored
Size147 MB71 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSouth Florida Science Center And Aquarium Inc.VU TRONG KHIEM

In-app purchases

None

CSCA

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

XiaoKao

Subscriptions6
  • 3-Month Plan - Win-back 30%$6.993 Months
  • 3-Month Plan - 20% Off$7.993 Months
  • 6-Month Plan - Win-back 30%$10.496 Months
Show 3 more
  • 6-Month Plan - 20% Off$11.996 Months
  • 1-Year Plan - Win-back 30%$13.991 Year
  • 1-Year Plan - 20% Off$15.991 Year
One-time4
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime (30% Off)$20.99
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime (20% Off)$23.99
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime (10% Off)$26.99
Show 1 more
  • XiaoKao Premium Lifetime$29.99

Questions

Is CSCA free?
CSCA is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is XiaoKao free?
XiaoKao is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do CSCA or XiaoKao have ads?
XiaoKao shows ads; CSCA does not.
Which is updated more often, CSCA or XiaoKao?
CSCA ships an update every 2 months, and XiaoKao every 4 days. Most recently, CSCA was updated on November 3, 2026 and XiaoKao on October 28, 2026.

Other comparisons