CharacterMatrix vs PrepareHSK
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
CharacterMatrix
Master the 1000 most common Chinese characters with this comprehensive learning tool. It provides example sentences, pronunciation, translations, and character summaries to aid fluency. Explore traditional and simplified characters with customizable display options and audio playback.
- 1000 most common characters
- Example sentences with translations
- Pinyin pronunciation
- Traditional and simplified characters
- Audio playback
- Customizable themes (dark/light)
- Search functionality
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With the most common 1000 characters you can read 89% of modern Chinese. This app is a great companion on your journey towards fluency. For every character you get: ⇨ 3 example sentences ⇨ Pinyin pronunciation ⇨ English translations ⇨ Character summary CharacterMatrix also offers: • Traditional (繁體) and simplified (简体) characters • Several Chinese fonts to choose from • Audio playback for all characters and sentences • Dark mode and light mode • Clean designs that look amazing on iPad and iPhone • A "random" button to jump to an arbitrary character • Search by character, Pinyin or frequency number Take these 1000 characters everywhere you go and learn at your own pace. This app displays the 1000 most used 中文 characters in a matrix that you can adjust (zoom level, font, dark/light theme). Its simple and clean user interface adapts to your device's size. If you use it in your iPad you can see more characters at the same time or split the screen. Some ideas of how to use this app: √ Learn new characters starting with the most common ones √ Understand and remember the characters using the 3 examples √ Listen to the examples and repeat to improve your pronunciation √ Use the "random" button to test your knowledge √ Use the app as a reference to practice writing/calligraphy (with various fonts) √ Use screen mirroring to show the characters on a smart TV and study with friends √ Explore by tapping on characters you don't know in the example sentences to learn more
PrepareHSK
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PrepareHSK is the all-in-one study companion for the HSK Chinese proficiency exam, from HSK 1 to HSK 6. STUDY YOUR WAY • Flashcards — flip through vocabulary with pinyin and translations • Listening — train your ear with audio comprehension exercises • Reading — build reading speed and character recognition • Writing — practice writing Hanzi from memory • Pinyin — sharpen your pronunciation reading skills • Past Exams — practice with real HSK exam questions TRACK YOUR PROGRESS Follow your results across every exercise type and HSK level. See what you've mastered and what needs more practice. STAY ON TRACK Add the home screen or lock screen widget to see a new character every day. Enable daily reminders to keep your streak alive. FREE & PREMIUM HSK 1 and HSK 2 are completely free, no account needed, no ads. Unlock all levels (HSK 3–6) with a single one-time purchase. WORKS OFFLINE All content is available offline after download. Study on the subway, on a plane, anywhere.
Screenshots
Verdict
CharacterMatrix and PrepareHSK are too close to call on the numbers: across 6 compared parameters — price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. CharacterMatrix sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and PrepareHSK sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
CharacterMatrix ships an update monthly, PrepareHSK every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 16, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | CharacterMatrix | PrepareHSK |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (9 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 100.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 9 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Monthly | Every 3 weeks — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.6 | 15.1 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 119 MB | 49 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | CopyBucket, Inc. | Alessio Lapi |
In-app purchases
CharacterMatrix
- Unlock All 1000 Characters$9.99
PrepareHSK
- PrepareHSK Premium$12.99









