# Dot Languages vs Local Layers

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Local Layers at none against Dot Languages's 5. Dot Languages's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 5 days vs every 6 weeks). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Dot Languages sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $9.00 per month. Local Layers asks for nothing beyond the download.

Dot Languages ships an update every 5 days, Local Layers every 6 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Dot Languages | Local Layers |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.2 (55 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-languages/id1547286120/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **55** | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Size | 198 MB | 6 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.5** | 26.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Dot Languages ApS](https://appshunter.io/developer/1547286122) | [Alterscope Solutions LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1551052588) |

## What reviewers say

### Dot Languages

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dot-languages/id1547286120)

Master Mandarin Chinese with engaging texts tailored to your skill level, from beginner to advanced. Practice reading, listening, and writing with daily new content covering diverse topics. Share and discover texts with a community of learners.

**Highlights:** Learn Mandarin Chinese texts, HSK 1-9 level categorization, Daily new text additions, Custom text creation and sharing, Reading, listening, and writing practice, Progress tracking

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Standard Monthly | $9.00 | per month |
| Dot Premium - Monthly | $18.49 | per month |
| Standard Yearly | $72.00 | per year |
| Dot Premium - Yearly | $135.99 | per year |
| Dot Premium - Family Plan | $339.00 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- ✨ Amazing app for learning Chinese
- 📚 Incredibly useful functions
- 🎨 Beautifully designed
- 💯 Must-have for Chinese learners
- ✍️ Versatile: writing, reading, listening, speaking

**What reviewers complain about**

- ❌ App not opening/crashing
- 📉 App has gone downhill
- 💸 Overpriced and too many bugs
- 🚫 Useless unless you pay
- 🤔 Too simplified, unhelpful buttons

**Reported bugs**

- App closes every time after signing up
- App not opening
- App crashes on startup
- Articles disappear when hitting back icon
- Return button partially visible after lesson

**Requested features**

- Add Korean and Japanese language options
- Add stories in addition to articles
- Option for lifetime subscription
- Speaking exercises
- More vibrant colors and backgrounds


### Local Layers

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/local-layers/id6761149538)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Dot Languages free?

Dot Languages is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Local Layers free?

Local Layers is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Do Dot Languages or Local Layers have ads?

Local Layers shows ads; Dot Languages does not.

### Which is updated more often, Dot Languages or Local Layers?

Dot Languages ships an update every 5 days, and Local Layers every 6 weeks. Most recently, Dot Languages was updated on October 14, 2026 and Local Layers on September 26, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*